SLEEPING STATES In The Gardens Of The North (2009 UK 9-track CD album - Sleeping States is the musical project of Bristol-based Markland Starkie, a uniquely talented artist who has been boldly evolving and flowering for the past few years. An upbringing learning various musical instruments and classical theories fused with a DIY punk, experimental-noise ethos is at the heart of Sleeping States. Yet within this experimentation and exploration there remains a regard for beautiful melodies and arrangements, while binding the whole together is Markland's exquisite voice. Armed with an electric guitar, found sounds and vocal samplers Markland has been releasing his music for a number of years. Lots of books have been read and 'In the Gardens of the North' has literary inspirations aplenty. Opening track 'Rings of Saturn' is a eulogy for WG Sebald while second track 'The Next Village' is inspired by Kafka. Conceptually Robbie Basho, Jorge Luis Borges and soundscape theorist R Murray Schafer are referenced and Benjamin Britten is mused upon. The results are hypnotic and riveting, with Markland's voice floating atop gorgeous guitar motifs and weaving mesmerising harmonies. 'In the Gardens of the North' is without doubt the most accomplished and far reaching Sleeping States musical vision to date!) more...
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