THEODOR BASTARD · Oikoumene | BLACK 2LP

Black double vinyl in gatefold sleeve.

Background information about 'Oikoumene'

Theodor Bastard delivers an absolutely mesmerizing journey with "Oikoumene", an album that showcases the Russian experimental folk collective at their most adventurous and boundary-pushing. The fifteen-track opus weaves together ancient mysticism with contemporary electronic textures, creating a sonic tapestry that feels both timeless and urgently modern. From the epic seven-and-a-half-minute title track that opens the album to the haunting "Mama Terra" that serves as a brief but powerful interlude, every moment feels carefully crafted and purposeful. The band's signature blend of traditional instruments, ethereal vocals, and electronic manipulation reaches new heights here, with tracks like "Gerda" and "Tapachula" demonstrating their ability to create immersive soundscapes that transport listeners to otherworldly realms.

What makes "Oikoumene" particularly compelling is how Theodor Bastard manages to maintain their distinctive identity while exploring new territories. The collaboration with Julien Jacob on "Sagrabat (Diumgo)" adds an intriguing layer of cross-cultural dialogue, while the FUN-DA-MENTAL remix of "Benga" by Aki Nawaz closes the album with a bold reinterpretation that bridges their folk roots with contemporary electronic music. Tracks like "Anubis" and "Sol De Morte" showcase the band's fascination with mythology and ancient cultures, themes that have always been central to their work but feel more refined and focused than ever before.

For fans of:
Dead Can Dance, Wardruna, Lisa Gerrard, Fever Ray, and Heilung

Track listing

LP 1:
A1. Oikoumene
A2. Gerda
A3. Tapachula
B1. Takaya Mija
B2. Farias
B3. Benga
B4. Sagrabat (Diumgo) feat. Julien Jacob

LP 2:
C1. Intifadah
C2. Clean Kron
C3. Sol De Morte
C4. Anubis
D1. Jamarakaya
D2. Mama Terra
D3. Atika
D4. Benga remixed by Aki Nawaz

Manufacturer: Sasu Soundworks Sarl, 126 Boulevard Bara, Heliopolis 2, Lot B4, 13013 Marseille, France, Contact: www.season-of-mist.com