Instrumental Ambient New Age Review: Palm Reading-Joshua Tree

Release Date: March 18, 2022

Label:  ‎myndstream

Website

Palm Reading is the musical project by Scooby Laposky and Charles Copley, inspired by plant life, the natural environment, and the traditions of ambient and mindfulness music.

In August this year, I was introduced to this clever musical duo with their first journey Malibu: Point Mugu. Now we have their first full-length release Joshua Tree.

The nine tracks encompassed in Joshua Tree continue their belief in preserving ecosystems, which is a noble and just cause. What will become of all living things if we do not protect our ecosystems so essential to the rhythm of life?

The sound found on this album is similar to the three-track EP previously released. How they create, their music is unique and innovative. It combines synthesized electronic music generated by biodata recorded from plants using a biodata sonification device. The device works by measuring microcurrent fluctuations occurring across the surface of a plant’s leaf, generating MIDI notes when a change in conductivity is detected, allowing a user to listen to the invisible biological processes occurring within plants.

Once again, I found this fascinating with the creation of all the ambient sounds through their process of instrumentation, technology, and nature make for a very effective relaxation or meditative tool.

Each track is dissimilar; however, it all blends nicely. It all flows with a natural course from one track to the next. It is so seamless that the distinction between tracks can become so realistic that it sounds like one track infinitely connected, just like all living things. That is why it is such a great accomplishment if you think about it for a minute because each composition differs. That factor has a very pleasing effect for those looking for that listen that can put you in a different mindset or plane of existence, if you will. Whatever you want to call it or level of consciousness, you can reach that goal easily with this music.

Joshua Tree is a fantastic achievement of a symbolic triangle consisting of music, nature, and technology that intersect to mold into art. I found this was one of the more exciting projects of 2021; in 2022, we have a natural progression to the next level of audio achievement, continuing and expanding the last effort.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
March 18, 2021

Tracks:
1. Mojave Yucca - Bighorn Pass
2. Beavertail Cactus - Bighorn Pass Interlude
3. Desert Parsley - Bighorn Pass
4. Creosote Bush - Utah Trail River Bed
5. Blue Palo Verde - Cottonwood Spring Oasis
6. Goodding's Willow - Cottonwood Spring Oasis
7. Joshua Tree - Pinto Basin at Sunset Part 1
8. Joshua Tree - Pinto Basin at Sunset Interlude
9. Joshua Tree - Pinto Basin at Sunset Part 2

New Age Instrumental Meditation Review: Palm Reading-Malibu: Point Mugu

Release Date: August 13, 2021

Label:  ‎ myndstream

Website

Palm Reading is the musical project by Scooby Laposky and Charles Copley, inspired by plant life, the natural environment, and the traditions of ambient and mindfulness music. Malibu: Point Mugu is the first in a series of locations that these recordings will be created.

That introduction to this music was just what I needed to read on the artist's one sheet to get immersed into this spiritual and nature-themed meditative music.

This is an effective combination of synthesized electronic music that is generated by biodata recorded from plants using a biodata sonification device. The device works by measuring microcurrent fluctuations occurring across the surface of a plant’s leaf, which then generates MIDI notes when a change in conductivity is detected, allowing a user to listen to the invisible biological processes occurring within plants.

I find this a fascinating way to make music and connect with nature using hi-tech instruments and electronics. Note the cover of the CD how the electrodes (Tens style sticky pads) are connected to the leaves? What a brilliant idea to where music intersects with mother earth, science, and electronics. The outcome is very relaxing as well as the original acoustic guitar accompaniment. I never thought a tool I have used to relieve pain in my back would be used this way. The Tens unit is an instrument many people use in their homes and are commonly found in a chiropractor’s office. This is not a Tens unit, however; it simply uses the principle of the sticky pads to keep the wires in place to detect the biological processes of the plant.

The tender guitar lines interspersed with the ambient electronics create a very placid and inviting atmosphere. Listeners will find it easy to meld right into and float away with, whether just relaxing or falling into a desired meditative state.

I feel a lot of anticipation for the next volume of recordings and wonder what location will be selected. There would be many to choose from if the duo decides to travel up the California coast on Highway 1. While a gorgeous drive along the coast, it would be interesting to turn off some exits into some smaller towns to see what flora and fauna were on offer.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
August 13, 2021 

Tracks:
1. White Sage (Salvia Apiana) 5:57
2. White Sage (Salvia Apiana) Interlude 1:30
3. Laurel Sumac (Malosma Laurina) 8:17