Pacific Codex is a beautifully packaged double set that includes both a standard CD and a 5.1 DVD-A disc, which is particularly appropriate considering that the bass tones here are some of the deepest sounding I have ever heard. The 5.1 version comes highly recommended for anyone reading this who has the high-end sort of system to handle it.
If you do decide to check this out on standard equipment, you might wanna consider turning the low end down a bit. As for playing it in your car? Well, even if your speakers don't survive the experience, at least you'll gain the instant respect of every hip-hop head on the block.
Pacific Codex also includes a beautiful 36-page book of photographs (mostly scenes of oceans and waves), and comes in a very limited, numbered run of 950 copies that are housed in a heavy gauge box by Carl Glover/Aleph. Limited copies can be ordered at Headphone Dust.
Again, this is not music for everybody — including fans of Porcupine Tree. But for those who are willing, Bass Communion provides a dark, but beautiful ride to the edge of the abyss.
Just make sure your system, and your head can handle it.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
I think that if people want to appreciate this style of art/music they should start out with Mike Patton's solo work & even his work with Fantomas (Delìrium Còrdia is a brilliant example). Though, I'm certain there may be other artists that have blazed this trail earlier, I am probably fairly biased because it was Mr. Patton's work that opened my brain up to this very expansive genre.
Still, I definitely this that Mr. Wilson's material is always worth checking out & I am happy to see that he isn't running out of ideas & getting stale. "Prog-Rock" can get very bland without experimentation...
2 - Glen Boyd
Thats what makes Mr. Wilson stand out amongst his fellow prog-rockers in my opinion Mr. Gupster. The fact that he is constantly experimenting with different sounds and that no two "projects" of his sound alike. Blackfield is as different from P. Tree as Bass Communion is from No-Man. Wilson seems to draw inspiration from challenging both his audience, his musicians, and finally himself.
Thanx for the comment.
-Glen
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Yes, Glen, I was agreeing with you but let's not get carried away. I do love Mr. Wilson's work but I do believe Mike Patton was covering this ground way before w/releases like Mr.Bungle's Disco Vilante & Fantomas' Director's Cut is totally pioneering & touches upon texture,complexity & a passion that I haven't heard in a long time. Kevin Moore has covered quite a bit of ground w/ O.S.I. & Chroma Key. VAST did some cool shite w/ his first release and I love the song Turqoise.
A Chinese Fire Drill Circles is pretty damn good as well... Although I don't agree with your statement, again, I wouldn't take anything away from Steve Wilson because he is very talented and has worked with numerous musicians that I love. Plus, he egineerewd the almighty Opeth's Blackwater Park which is by far the best f*cking Prog/Death Metal album to grace this planet!