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Bombyx Mori presents: “Chaotic Resonance”

Silk is often associated with smoothness and softness, but it is a material with many other qualities. It is incredibly strong and durable and has a rich history behind it. The manufacturing process is painstaking, involving domesticated silkworms humans have bred for so many generations that they no longer exist in the wild. 

With such a poetic shot at its name, Bombyx Mori (Which is also the scientific name of the silkworm) is a band that combines various challenging music styles with open-minded lyrics and a deeper focus on existential and social themes. The story behind this project is fascinating. Stefano, the musician at the helm of the band, had to stop playing with his bands due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other musicians out there, he found himself stranded and unable to do what he loved. Still, he persevered and came up with some unique ideas despite these challenges.

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Cool concepts kept rolling, and he was able to come up with some bass patterns that eventually turned into full songs with the help of musicians from all over the world, who joined forces with him in order to bring these tracks to life. 

The decision to invite a diverse group of outside musicians had a significant impact on the project. Not only did it bring a broader range of musical backgrounds, but it also introduced fresh ideas and excitement. The open-ended approach to creativity resulted in songs that benefited greatly from the collaboration of musicians from different parts of the world. It shows Stefano‘s ability to continually explore new sounds, but at the same time, remaining rooted in a very personal aesthetic that makes his work all more intuitive and easy to connect with. 

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From metalcore-inspired tracks like “Freeze The Frame” down to the progressive leanings of “Through The Lens,” and hints of hard rock and folk on “Clockwork Man,” there is room for different directions on every song, making the album diverse and spontaneous. “Chaotic Resonance” is currently available on streaming platforms:

“When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, restrictions made it difficult, if not almost impossible, to continue performing live or even meet to create music. So, I decided to develop the 11 songs I had written with musicians from all over the globe,” Stefano said.

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“I started from scratch, beginning with the band’s name: Bombyx Mori, which is nothing but the scientific name for the silkworm, chosen after discovering that these creatures have been exploited by humans for industrial purposes for so long that they no longer exist in nature and have even undergone profound changes in appearance and behaviour (now they are white instead of the “natural” dark brown, and they could not survive freely as they are too easily detectable by predators; furthermore, the larvae are no longer able to procure food for themselves and must therefore be artificially fed). It immediately seemed to me to be a fitting metaphor for the society and the world we live in.”

“Despite the obvious difficulties of a music production carried out solely via the web, the album Chaotic Resonance that resulted from this “global” collaboration turned out to be extremely unconventional and refreshing to listen to, ranging across different genres and managing to be as heterogeneous as the cultural, social, religious, and musical backgrounds of those involved:

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  • Drums => Italy
  • Bass => Italy
  • Guitars => India/Brazil/Argentina/Italy/Japan
  • Synth/Keyboards/FX’s => Ukraine/India/Finland/Italy
  • Brass (on “Leaves in the Wind”) => USA
  • Theremin (on “Through the Lens”) => Italy
  • Bagpipes/Celtic Flutes (on “Clockwork Man”) => Germany
  • Harmonica (on “Liars”) => Australia
  • Saxophone (on “The Promise”) => Nigeria
  • Vocals => Netherlands/USA
  • Mix/Master => Sri Lanka

The presence of musicians from all continents and the use of unconventional instruments in the metal scene led to the intertwining of rhythmic patterns derived from the most disparate musical genres, which, combined with modern sounds and socially-oriented lyrics, contributed to shaping the band’s trademark.”

Artist Spotlight

“Pretty Ugly” by Archer Stevens stirs the soul with retro-modern rock vibes

Archer Stevens

Pretty Ugly,” the inaugural single by Archer Stevens, represents a compelling homage to the golden age of 70s rock music with a fresh coat of modern vibrancy. From the outset, the track masterfully exudes an irresistible energy that embodies vintage and contemporary influences, acting as a sonic bridge between eras. The Phoenix-based ensemble skillfully weaves their influences into a pronounced, personal narrative.

A noteworthy aspect of the track is its instrumentation. Recorded across three diverse locations, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and even Peru, the song has a global resonance. The incorporation of congas introduces a surprising layer of depth and rhythm, giving “Pretty Ugly” a distinct flair that separates it from cookie-cutter rock releases. This thoughtful musical choice enhances the song’s groove, complementing the shimmering guitar lines and soulful vocal delivery.

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Lyrically, “Pretty Ugly” plays on contrasts, embodying the emotional push and pull of life’s dualities. The heartfelt lyrics evoke a sense of intimate admiration and longing to please a partner, while the melodic structure ensures the track remains uplifting despite its introspective qualities.

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By drawing inspiration from the enduring spirit of rock legends such as Elton John, Joe Cocker, and the Rolling Stones, Archer Stevens pays tribute to their predecessors without resorting to imitation. The soaring vocals and driving rhythm establish “Pretty Ugly” as a cathartic anthem that appeals to classic and contemporary rock enthusiasts. With this debut, Archer Stevens distinguishes itself as a band unafraid to experiment and honor its musical heritage, thus carving out its unique sonic identity. The result is a richly layered auditory experience that captivates from the first listen, revealing engaging narratives within the music.

 

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For more information about Archer Stevens, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Archer Stevens’ Pretty Ugly on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Archer Stevens | Instagram

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Artist Spotlight

“Do You Still Remember?” by Khynan Rhys turns heartache loss into soulful harmony

Khynan Rhys

At the age of 18, Khynan Rhy, a solo musician and multi-instrumentalist from Northwich, Cheshire, demonstrates exceptional maturity in his songwriting capabilities, indicating a wisdom that transcends his years. His sophomore single, “Do You Still Remember?” is a heart-stirring attestation to his musical aptitude and emotional profundity. It intricately weaves together a sonic narrative that encapsulates poignant lyricism, authenticity, and evocative melodies, effectively exploring the aching nostalgia of separation and longing.

Drawing on a rich palette of influences like Artemas, Daniel Caesar, and Ocean Alley, Khynan crafts a familiar sound and style that is distinctly his own. The track opens with a delicate interplay of introspective guitar melodies and ethereal synth layers, creating an atmospheric canvas that perfectly frames his soulful vocal delivery. The production, entirely helmed by Khynan and polished by Ben Booker’s mastering touch, feels intimate yet sophisticated without stripping away an ideal balance that lets the emotion shine through the song’s soulful compulsion.

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What makes “Do You Still Remember?” so captivating is its ability to resonate profoundly, transforming universal themes into specific, relatable experiences. Whether audiences are reminiscing about lost love, the bittersweet pang of first love, or confronting the emotional void left by bereavement, Khynan’s lyrics indeed hit like a gentle nudge to the heart that refuses to shy away from the deep memories of heartbreak, possessing a poetic resonance that endures long after the song ends.

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Through this second release, Khynan Rhys establishes himself as an emerging star poised for lasting impact, building upon the initial success of his debut single, ‘Closed Doors.’ He expresses emotional vulnerability that invites audiences to engage with his work. “Do You Still Remember?” offers a moment of introspective reflection on the sorrow of losing someone once deemed irreplaceable, proving that even in our most solitary experiences, music can make us feel less alone.

 

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For more information about Khynan Rhys, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Khynan Rhys’ Do You Still Remember? on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Khynan Rhys | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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