LND005 - The Green Kingdom - Laminae
The definitions of Lamina (or plural- Laminae) are as follows:
1. a thin plate, scale, or layer.
2. a layer or coat lying over another, as the plates of minerals or bones.
3. Botany. the blade or expanded portion of a leaf.
4. Geology. a layer of sediment or sedimentary rock only a small fraction of an inch (less than a centimeter) in thickness.
As these definitions would indicate, these pieces are focused on the subtle layering and juxtaposition of phrases, loops and field recordings. As in nature, they have evolved over the last couple years through several cycles of processing, addition and subtraction. Some began as more structured compositions, but over time as the melodies began to blur, interesting relationships developed when these "sound strata" were combined, removed or revealed.
The Green Kingdom is Michael Cottone, a graphic designer and sound artist based in Michigan. His compositions blur the line between soundscape and structure, utilizing a variety of processed acoustic and electronic sources, sampled textures and field recordings. He has released material both online and in hard copy on Term, SEM label, EKO Netlabel, Mandorla, Skam, TIBProd, Heldernacht and Room40.
CDR Edition of 100 + MP3
Available in the shop.
An excellent review from Whiteline
I’m at a loss to conjur up new, descriptive words for this type of material, save to say that it is stunningly beautiful, and exquisitely worked. The titles really say it all, Late Summer, A Hidden Stream, Fuji Apple, The Scarlet Ibis, and Une..The Green Kingdom have featured most prominently on net labels such as 12k’s subsidiary, Term, and their sound definitely lends itself to the working methods of Sogar, for instance, or Sawako, using delicate, evanescent, and softly focussed instrumentation, possibly keyboards, scattered with glitchy remnants. These gently paced pieces ease their way into my consciousness, a waking dream realised in pastel shades, an aural Monet painting, if you will - full of divine shavings of tone and cascading guitar, reverbed and sensuous, stuttering and serene, quietly epic. The Green Kingdom win me over with the kind of music that does not require direct engagement, but permeates my day with images of serenity and relaxation, bathing my imagination in warmth and light. Technically, The Green Kingdom have created something of a masterwork here, and The Land Of as a label have made their mark with a very fine piece of work, presented in a utilitarian card cover, letterpress printed with silvery scrolls and hand written texts. This CD can come with no higher recommendation from me, other than going and checking this out for yourself.. a label and an artist worthy of your utmost attention. BGN
From SMALLFISH
I was a massive fan of last years self titled album on Sem by The Green Kingdom. In fact it featured very near the top of my end of year chart. So, I'm stoked to be able to bring you a limited quantity of this equally superb CDr from New York's The Land Of imprint. All I can say is it's an utterly beautiful selection of tracks which use an organic / electronic style to convey a gorgeously tranquil feeling of serenity and calm. Drifting textures, tinkling sounds and an overall sense of warmth and depth are combined with moments of loose and fluid processed guitar to give you a truly memorable and downright lovely album. This comes highly recommended and, as a slight aside, you can look forward to another imminent release from The Green Kingdom in the near future...