In these wild, chaotic times, many of us are searching for ways to sit still and steadfast as waves of tragedy and panic crash into the collective, pulling our fellow humans into the maelstrom to drown. Today I’m happy to share a soundtrack for finding that inner stoicism to get you through it. Meditations is the new experimental doom release from Bong-Ra, the solo project of Jason Köhnen, and it’s an homage to the Stoics, and in particular Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. It’s out via Tartarus Records on August 5th — and you can pre-order it here. I, too, have found myself drawn to stoicism over the past couple of years, tired of navigating the constant triggering in myself and others. Finding calm in the eye of the storm is exactly what this album feels like. Bong-Ra’s guitar tones are warm and comforting, while the atmosphere is foreboding; but the free jazz sections feel like they’re here to remind me that the only reality I’ll ever truly experience — and truly be happy in — is my own. This 4-song release is a meditation that I’m looking forward to sitting to. Check out our full stream of Meditations below…
WHAT STANDS IN THE WAY BECOMES THE WAY.
MARCUS AURELIUS