awakened souls & From Overseas – Keep the Orange Sun

Earlier this year, marine eyes released a gorgeous ambient album that had soothing vibes on par with Enya (which is high praise, I love Enya and until now absolutely no one could quiet my brain like her pure moods.) My obsession with idyll is likely a direct cause of my newfound and growing interest in the use of synthesizers, in meditation music, and vocals-as-an-instrument.

marine eyes, aka Cynthia Bernard, is also part of a duo called awakened souls with her husband James Bernard and today they’re releasing a collaboration with their friend From Overseas called Keep the Orange Sun, with the same healing magic, plus more electronic beats, percussive synth, and soft vibes.

Cynthia’s breathy vocals are in play again but take center stage on the title track, effects becoming more stripped down throughout the duration of the record so the lyrics can be heard unobscured. Other songs, like “Rise” and “Release/Adapt” are instrumental, oceanic in vibe, with cresting and falling long-held notes, rumbling bass, and all the texture and death of the Pacific. “Migration” and “Passing Dreams” are quiet meditations, drifting languidly and gorgeously.

A full-on long player, side B features reworks of each of the 9 tracks by Patricia Wolf, zakè & City of Dawn, the artists themselves individually, and other friends. This is a must-have soothing soundtrack for anyone who needs a balm for these times.

Keep the Orange Sun is out now on Past Inside the Present. Get it on Bandcamp.