Lunar Clock II
Where the first record was a focused tribute to Norwegian painter Edvard Munch, this new work unfolds as a constellation of seven expansive, self-contained pieces, meticulously sequenced to guide the listener into a profound sonic dimension.
Lunar Clock II is a journey through the landscapes of the inner and outer self. It courageously explores the chasm between observation and interpretation, the dance of duality, and the solitary path toward transformation and purpose. Musically, the album is a deep and organic evolution of the band’s signature sound, weaving darkness and light into an intricate, seamless tapestry. Listeners familiar with their debut will discover subtle conceptual echoes, rewarding a close and immersive listen.
The 56-minute album is a collaborative creation of Robin Boer (keyboards, lead vocals), Achille Regazzoni (bass guitars, keyboards, FX, twelve-string guitar), and Karsten van Straten (drums, percussion, FX, keyboards, backing vocals).
Thematic Currents of Lunar Clock II
Instead of a linear concept, the album explores recurring philosophical currents through its music:
The Frame of Perception – ‘Night Owl’: The album is framed by a two-part sonic novella. It opens with an “announcement,” posing a question of perspective, and closes with a “conclusion,” where misalignment leads to darker outcomes. The Night Owl itself serves as a neutral vessel of wisdom, observing the truths the biased human eye so often misses.
The Unbridgeable Void – ‘Oculus Lunae / Oculus Terrae’: Duality is a central theme, epitomized in this track’s stark contrast. One part embodies the cold, acoustic stillness of the moon (OculusLunae); the other, the turbulent, powerful pulse of the Earth (OculusTerrae). They are two entities observing each other across a cosmic divide, their natures too different for comprehension.
The Harmony of Opposites – ‘Where The Birds Hide’ & ‘Sateria’: The album finds beauty in rare moments of connection. ‘Where The Birds Hide’ tells a tale of two birds—one of the day, one of the night—who meet only in the twilight to share stories of their hidden worlds. This theme of finding peace is echoed in ‘Sateria’, a powerful anthem about the catharsis of letting go and the profound acceptance of what is.
The Echoes of Being – ‘Metaphors’: The journey delves into the landscapes of memory. ‘Metaphors’ drifts through melancholic regrets and phantom memories of a ‘Lady of the Sea’—a nod to their debut—exploring the unchangeable nature of the past.
The Art of Existence – ‘Life Through Corridors’ & ‘The Dreamer’: The album confronts the nature of survival and consciousness. ‘Life Through Corridors’, inspired by the ancient Chinese text The 36 Stratagems, is a tense meditation on strategy and endurance. Finally, ‘The Dreamer’ explores the volatile space between states, where our greatest aspirations and deepest anxieties are locked in an eternal dance.
Track Listing
1. Night Owl (announcement) 02:33
2. Sateria 09:01
3. Metaphors 07:07
4. Oculus Lunae / Oculus Terrae 03:14
5. Night Owl (conclusion) 07:32
6. Where The Birds Hide 09:51
7. Life Through Corridors 08:40
8. The Dreamer 08:13