This album is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s creative passions, even amidst the constraints of a 9-to-5 routine. It’s an exploration of the delicate balance between the ordinary and the extraordinary, where the shadow of daily responsibilities sometimes eclipses the radiant light of artistic dreams. The title suggests an incomplete or imperfect state. In an era where perfection is often overvalued, this album encourages to embrace imperfection as a source of beauty and authenticity. It’s a celebration of the raw, unpolished aspects of music.
“Half Eclipse” takes us through an introspective experience with its 12 tracks, each bearing a unique narrative and sound. The album opens with “Forgive Me”, a poignant introduction, sampling a monologue from “The Legend of 1900”. The movie is about a man who was born on a cruise ship. On that ship he lived, and learned to play the piano. He was a talent, a true force of nature, but unfortunately, he never left that ship. The first track seamlessly blends into the second song, “900”. Named after the same movie, it beautifully captures the essence of an empty cruise ship crossing the Atlantic, conjuring feelings of solitude and grandeur.
Opening a new chapter, “Piano Excerpt” is a melancholic interlude on the keys that provide an evocative snapshot of the creative process, filled with emotion and raw authenticity. This state of calmness becomes the departure point for an outer-space experience, where “Cluster” uses complex synth sequences, textures and drum patterns, to paint the beauty that can arise from disarray. It’s the chaotic search for clarity, mirroring the ebbs and flows of creativity, as if the artist is pushing through the turbulent waves of his own musical landscape.
“Freeze Me in a Photography” is an ambient track, an ode to capturing memories through sound, and a way for the artist to hold on to fleeting moments. Its meditative soundscapes are a stark counterpoint to “Infirmity”, where the dark atmosphere is a reflection on life’s fragility, which we often forget in our daily hustle. And then, like a refreshing breeze sweeping through the mountains, “Mountain Wind” enters the scene. This track is inspired by the artist’s solo mountain trip, invoking memories of the Maritime Alps at the Italy-France border. It ties together the themes of the journey, solitude, and the natural world, providing an exquisite conclusion to the album’s initial narrative.
The album also offers five remixes that add new dimensions and interpretations to the existing material. “900” is remixed by Martin Schulte, adding depth and richness, breathing new life into the track. DIB reimagined “Freeze Me in a Photography” offering a transformative take on the original, turning the artist’s memory into a distinct sonic narrative. Viktor Apostolski worked on “Piano Excerpt” delving deeper into its emotional core, elevating the late-night musings to a more profound level. Reverb added its distinctive touch to “Forgive Me”, transforming it into an atmospheric journey that feels like cruising the Atlantic at the speed of light. Finally, the collaborative remix of “Mountain Wind” by Morkebla and Sonambient elevates the mountain memories to epic proportions, creating a mesmerizing soundscape.
“Half Eclipse” it’s a deeply personal diary of -12dB’s nights, weekends, and the moments of creativity that illuminate the mundane backdrop of daily life. It encourages us to embrace imperfection and appreciate the unpolished aspects of music, reminding us that it’s never too late to follow our passions, even during the “half eclipses” of our lives.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes, this album is a substantial offering that invites listeners to lose themselves in its emotional and sonic depth. It’s a testament to the power of artistic expression and the magic that can be created when passion meets music production.
So, if you’re in search of an introspective musical journey, take a listen to “-12dB’s ‘Half Eclipse’ on Spotify, Bandcamp, or SoundCloud at the links below. And remember, it’s never too late to follow your passion, even if it’s just during the “half eclipses” of your daily life.