Integration is the name of the first EP by Helena Markos, the woman behind the online electronic music platform and record label Tales of Psychofonia. The EP is the outcome of a long process that began at the onset of the 2020 pandemic. It is a four-track EP, including a masterpiece by the Irish artist LAIR.
‘Integration’ reflects the process of integrating repressed or forgotten elements of the self—a drums-focused track with the artist’s vocals creating an atmosphere of determination.
The track ‘Angels’ is a reference and a tribute to the Greek author N. Kazantzakis. ‘The angels have a mouth but do not talk; they speak to God through dancing.’ A synth-driven piece with a magnetic intensity, resembling an imaginary angelical dance; Angels as the elements that protect us when things seem uncertain and scary.
‘Endlessly Submissive’ is a bass-led track, capturing the agony of the slow days during difficult times. It becomes a representation of painful realisations around the self and the world. Insisting vocals keep repeating: ‘Endlessly submissive to the misery imposed by your shadows.’
Finally, LAIR’s cathartic remix of ‘Angels’ honours the original’s vocals, surrounding them with an incredibly imposing aura of emotive synth pads magically created by the artist. A piece of art that moves and elevates the spirit.
‘The EP reflects the integration process of painful parts of the self, the shadows. Its creation became a mental sanctuary and an arena for experimentation and exploration in difficult times when words were not there. After completing it, I got in touch with LAIR, whose work I admire. Her response was a soul-tingling remix of the track ‘Angels’. Helena Markos
Release date: 2/12/22
Tracklist:
1. Integration
2. Angels
3. Endlessly Submissive
4. Angels – LAIR remix
Buy link: https://talesopsychofonialabel.bandcamp.com/…/integrati…
Credits:
Remix: LAIR @lauralairmusic
Mastering: Joe Farr @user_experience_joefarr
Artwork design: Michal @wiryfingers
Tales of Psychofonia 