Nigerian electronic artist/violist Ibukun Sunday is readying the release of his EP “The Last Wave” via the Phantom Limb imprint Spirituals on October 22nd. Today we listen to the upcoming effort’s opening track, “Burn It All Down.” Based out of the Nigerian coastal city of Lagos, Ibukun Sunday creates philosophically-informed and wide-spanning music. The sound artist explains, “The Last Wave” talks about the beginning and the ending of Earth,” before warning, “So many things are now happening here in Nigeria.”
Though the statement has chilling implications, Ibukun Sunday crafts emotionally resonant music using looped electronics, acoustic viola, and field recordings–all the while deeply imbued by his African heritage. On “Burn It All Down,” gorgeous waves of arpeggiating ambiance wash ashore in tangles of blue and black. The sound is warm and enveloping even as it seems to exhale in droning tones of exalted sadness. Though apocalyptic in scope, Ibukun Sunday offers: “Almost all traditions of thought have their eschatologies, but my music gives me hope again, hearing the sound of nature.”
“The Last Wave” is the sixth release for Phantom Limb’s experimental leaning Spirituals imprint. While you’re at it you can also check out recent efforts from soundtrack composer Pram of Dogs and UK ambient musician Dylan Henner.
