“Departure”, the latest EP from bass music duo As_Is due out August 6th, tells the story of the As_tronaut, a lone human exploring the cosmos, searching for new adventure and meaning in their life. The protagonist faces isolation, despair, and inner unrest, but through it all experiences the unforetold beauty and riches of the universe, available to those who seek it. Each track tells a chapter of the long, arduous journey faced by the As_tronaut. Otherworldly atmospheres collide with powerful bass, allowing the listener to sonically depart right along with the As_tronaut’s maiden voyage.
“Departure”, the title track, depicts the As_tronaut leaving Earth and beginning their journey into the unknown. Searching for inner meaning and adventure, the protagonist launches into the cosmos. Dark and sinister melodies weave through a fabric of rhythm and driving bass, foreshadowing a beautiful juxtaposition of optimism and unease.
Some time after launch, the listener meets up with the As_tronaut in the track “Looking Within.” After much time in isolation, devoid of human contact, the hero closes their eyes and looks within themselves, searching for their humanity in the void of space. The track depicts what the protagonist sees as they go deeper and deeper into their mind. Tibetan monks serenade the listener, urging one to search within themselves as well, and see what they find.
“Celestial Sea'' is an exploratory piece, meeting the protagonist at an uncharted ocean world. Diving into the unknown, the As_tronaut is met with bioluminescence aquatic life, hidden underwater caverns, and vast underwater expanses. Dreamy vocalscapes float through the uncharted sea; each drop taking the listener to a different place in the celestial sea.
“Endless Journeys” closes out the EP. After searching uncharted worlds and diving deep within the human mind, the As_tronaut reflects on their adventures. Yearning for the comforts of Earth and devoid of human connection, the track is a crossroads of sorts; to go home, or continue the adventure. Powerful synth melodies and massive vocalscapes depict the As_tronaut turning their ship away from Earth, ready for more adventures.
Electronic bass music duo “As_Is,” composed of members Aaron Schwallier and Ian McIntyre, have been making music together since 2018. As_Is takes participants on an immersive audio-visual journey through time and space. Defying and bending bass music genres, listeners can completely escape their Earthly lives and explore the cosmos and themselves. With a sound rooted in years of classical music studies, As_Is takes a fresh, yet oddly familiar approach to electronic music. Lush atmospheres, driving bass, and a fiercely melodic sound leave no comparisons as the duo looks to take off in the bass music scene.
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