Along the serpentine coastline of southern Canada, where pines whisper nature’s tales, the distinct sound of Pacific Northwest Synth-punk takes root. Now, Vancouver’s Total Chroma presents a new, evocative single: Mind In Stasis. This intriguing piece is from their newly released album, L A P L A N D, available now via Negative Gain.
Total Chroma stands as the creative venture of Robert Katerwol, known for his roles in Wire Spine and Weird Candle. In “Mind In Stasis,” a collaboration with singer-songwriter Carrellee, he weaves a blend of spirited synths, cosmic orchestrations, and swift aural arpeggios. The track seamlessly fuses raw human emotion with a sharp, synth-laden rhythm. Carrellee’s ethereal voice floats over the soundscape.
In a captivating video directed by Chris Merrell and cinematically crafted by Rob Zawistowski, we witness actor Mitch Ray reflecting on his existence through multiple personas. The enigma is accentuated with lipstick inscriptions, misty scenes, bubbles, and a lone confinement before a vintage television set. One is left wondering: is this a figment of his imagination, a stark reality, or a glimpse into his hidden yearnings? Who is the reflection of true reality?
Watch the video for “Mind in Statis” below:
Since 2012, Katerwol has colored both North American and European music scenes with his vibrant compositions. His journey has spanned across diverse musical acts, including Wire Spine, Weird Candle, Body Break, Industrial Priest Overcoats, and Snit.
He’s shared the limelight with renowned names like Lebanon Hanover Perturbator, Drab Majesty, She Past Away, Selofan, and others. His extensive collaborations underline a relentless drive towards artistic growth. Away from the stage, Katerwol devotes himself to mental health outreach, splitting time between hospitals and streets. Besides being a musician, he wears hats as an artist, a published writer, and a music festival organizer, most notably spearheading Vancouver’s esteemed Verboden Music Festival.
Hailing from an American singer/songwriter tradition, Carrellee introduces a novel flavor to our roster of talents. Rooted in folk, her music intertwines with electronic elements, culminating in a symphony of poignant emotions. Carrellee crafts an evocative mosaic, weaving in influences from 80’s new wave legends like the Cocteau Twins and Kate Bush and an array of Italo disco maestros.
Carrellee’s initiation into music began with her father introducing her to the piano. By five, the realms of jazz chords and music theory were her playground. Later, she ventured into the heart of the music industry in Madison and Minneapolis, first as an intern and later as an independent artist.While she has several releases as Sarah Pray, she also collaborated with Thomas Kivi, in a folk duo, Kivi & Pray. Their music, reminiscent of Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons, took them across Europe and the US. The trials of the pandemic and personal upheavals channeled into her introspective, piano-centric compositions, serving as a cathartic outlet.
Total Chroma’s LAPLAND is out now.
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