Map 165 is a collaboration between Martin A Smith and Tim Hooper exploring disorganised sound, atonality, beauty and evocation. Following on from 2014’s The Fatigue of Sunlight and Wine (Voxxov) and their collection of live recordings A Foreign Country, we are pleased to announce the release of their latest album Of Adam Sleeping in the Lap of God. 

An ambient work in four movements inspired by the north portico of Chartres cathedral Of Adam Sleeping in the Lap of God melts stone into music using a series of field recordings, synths and guitars. 

Of Heaven and earth: 
The formless becomes formed. A swirling coalescence of themes and sounds. Through repetition a pattern appears. Order is created. Across a slow shimmering, four notes call out bridging the void. 

The deepest midnight blue 
The sound from the lowest point of the lake 
The silence of the space above the Earth 
The beat of the heart 

Of the firmament: 
A blissful disorientation. Shimmering, confusing, a wrapping inwards of time and rhythm with multiple refraction of the same themes overlaid but still apparent. 

It is the clangour of bells reflected off stone walls in an old town 
It is the beat of wings over a lake 
It is the confusion of walking in to a dark interior out of the brilliant sunshine 
It is the clamour of foreign languages in the market place 

Of the Sun and the Moon: 
Reflective and contemplative, with a receding sadness. Watching the last sun of Summer set knowing that Winter will be coming. 

Wind between the fingers of trees 
Dust settling in corners until Spring 
Hands resting upon the table 
Valleys filled with fine rain 

Of Eden: 
Neither afraid of night or morning. Each day welcomed; each day passing as easily as water in a river. The security of knowing what you like and trusting your judgement. Equal with all, afraid of none. Night comes blissfully again. 

The comfort of time passing 
The first moment of sleep 
Closing the door once home 
A friend’s voice 

Written and recorded by Martin A. Smith and Tim Hooper 
Assembled and Produced by Martin A. Smith 
Choir at Chartres Cathedral recorded by Helen Smith 
Recorded at Flying Boat Studio, Cambridge, UK 
Sleeve artwork by Katie English 
This is Rural Colours 84

Map165 / Of Adam sleeping in the lap of God (Snippets)

Rural Colours