160g transparent rose color vinyl. Record housed in a 3mm semi-gloss jacket. B/W center labels. Vinyl record placed in an anti-static inner sleeve with a .75 gauge archival polypropylene lining. Shrinkwrapped. Bandcamp download code included.
Orchestral Tape Studies II is an enthralling amalgam of orchestral textures carefully crafted by zakè. It is a continuation of its predecessor, Orchestral Tape Studies which was released to high acclaim in 2019.
Bringing forth pastoral meditations with becalmed, atmospheric intent, Orchestral Tape Studies II is a convincing display of beautiful scores primed for the self-reflective moments that are both contemplative and thought provoking. These delicate repetitions, reticent sound treatments, and recurrent tape-based loops demand focused listening in a quiet environment.
Written, recorded, and produced by zakè String accompaniments by Olivia May (cello), Charlotte Frizzell (viola), and Damien Duque (guitar/bow) Mixed at Kaleidoscope Tone Studio by zakè Mastered at Ambient Mountain House by James Bernard Design and layout by zakè
“It has been some five years since US ambient maestro zake dropped the first volume of his Orchestral Tape Studies. We're glad to finally have the second installment in the series available because there has rarely been music as cathartic and soothing as this on our shelves. It's made from drones, field recordings and richly layered movements of fragmented orchestral loops.
It is heavily inspired by the sound of the greatest minimalist symphonic composers and orchestras of the last 100 years. It is another adventurous and immersive listen from zakè.
zakè seems to drop something new almost every week. But you won't hear us complain because few have a breadth and depth of sound that matches his lo-fi and absorbing output on his home US label Past Inside the Present.”
-Juno Records
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"zakè continues his excellent orchestral studies series started in 2019 with a brand-new edition of tracks that casts symphonic compositional structures inspired by film scores and classical music in a kind of sonic amber through looping, tape processing, and other textural treatments. In writing about the first edition, we called it a “wonderful meditative exploration of liminality and tonality and one of the most serene and beautiful albums you could hope to enjoy”. Much the same could be said here with no less enthusiasm."
-Stationary Travels
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“I’m always enthralled by the work of zakè. The ambient/new age composer has spent the last several years building a catalog of forward-thinking, thoughtful, and intellectual albums. Records that accumulate beautifully orchestrated sound collages and sonic realms that put you, the listener, in a state of contemplative and meditative bliss. Using electronics to create both a higher state of being as well as a sort of sonic therapy for the soul, zakè attempts to push the power of sound further with each release.
In 2019 zakè released Orchestral Tape Studies, “a group of richly layered movements of fragmented orchestral loops, paying homage to minimalist symphonic composers and orchestras.” It was an eye/ear/mind opening sound experience, creating a sort of zoned-out peace for 30 minutes. A deep space drift that felt as monolithic as it did micro.
zakè returns to that world with Orchestral Tape Studies II, a revisitation to that musical world. Orchestral loops, repetition, and a gauzy, overcast feeling overwhelm on this stunning new long player. Accompanied by real strings and guitar/bow, zakè connects to the listener on a spiritual and cosmic level.
Orchestral Tape Studies II extends 2019s sonic experience from 4 tracks to 9. The songs seem to melt into one another, creating a 40-minute sound excursion; an existential journey into a wordless existence, floating along that rainbow-hued slipstream life leaves behind. These songs seem to emanate from a metaphysical orchestra that exists in our minds. These are the sounds of sleep and dream; the soundtrack for the life we lead when we’re on the plane between here and there.
There are moments of joy and hope, like on “Lament For Strings I” and “Lament For Strings II”. They have symphonic weight, while still having a touch of hazy sonic indifference. It’s this engrossing coming together of organic and synthetic. Light and life in musical form. Likewise, “Hearken” begins as almost just a hint of something before blossoming into ambient bliss. Composers like Philip Glass and Steve Reich come to mind here.
“Silenzio” is darker and more mysterious. “Bestir Thyself” lays heavy with mournful strings and an overcast disposition and a monumental, cinematic presence. “Ashes Depart” has that cinematic heaviness as well, though it feels as if it’s leading us to lighter days. “Lament For Strings III” closes out this journey, lamenting in wavering strings and bringing up the spirit of Tangerine Dream’s Phaedra. The song ends in a fading, gauzy hiss.
zakè continues to evolve his art and compositional magic with the ethereal Orchestral Tape Studies II. Thinning the lines between ambient, new age, and classical, zakè works to bring them all together into something thought-provoking and viscerally and intellectually alive.”
-J. Hubner, Complex Distractions
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 266 reviews.
I got the mystery tape box specifically the "your getting tons of tapes" tier
and it didnt disappoint at all packaged securely overdelivered in the best way in terms of content and didnt take long to get here ,it was exciting to finally see what i got, genuinely made my day when it came in the post, a massive 22 tape package and so far every tape ive listened to has been really really good! Quality all the way, and if anyone was on the fence about getting it, well dont be, go for it you wont be disappointed .
Major respect to whoever curates the box, excellent choices!!
I Usually never leave reviews of things but this was worth doing it for.
I will definitely be buying this again no doubt about it and yeah just awesome really, very happy with it :)
It took a long time to arrive ( mainly because i put the wrong address😅) but overall its an amazing track. Thanking Cory from inner Amazing website and will buy more records from here.
The vinyl itself is very beautiful, and the sound is very punchy and clear! Of course all the tracks slap hard. Really great pressing, really great album!
I discovered the Bless Vol. 1 compilation a few years ago. Some of my favorite lo-fi artists were featured on it, and last year I reached out to the label hoping to get some of their releases.
Cory got in touch with me and personally made sure the record arrived safely. It sounds incredible, and the editions are beautifully produced.
Now I'm eagerly waiting for Vol. 1
Greetings from Argentina!
Really big fan. It’s a solidly built player and I think the aux-in recording function and ability to pair Bluetooth headphones/speaker is really unique, especially on the same device. I can’t speak to the Bluetooth pairing as I haven’t tested it out. I specifically was looking for an aux-in recording cassette player and this fit the bill perfectly. I tested this function and it sounds really great without completely losing the charm of a mic recording.
It was packaged perfectly! Everything that it came in was great, too!
HOWEVER, the page for this product does have a preview of all the songs ASSUMED to come with the album. This is not the case. This album comes with everything EXCEPT: September Rain (English Version)
With the previews available, I thought it'd be there. I was apparently missinformed. That is the ONE AND ONLY issue I have with my purchase. I wish they gave you the EXACT track list on the webpage. But like I said, that'd the only issue I had. Everything else was great.
I've been looking for an original copy of this album for a while at a price and quality that I was happy with. I was thrilled to find this on your website and couldn't pass up the opportunity to support you and support my unhealthy collection.
Excellent, can not recommend highly enough. My new go-to for Japanese import vinyl. Reasonable price, fast ship time. Will definitely be telling all 1 ½ of my friends interested in vinyl about Inner Ocean.
This album is truly fantastic. I have the cassette as well, it's so dynamic and interesting to listen to on both the turntable and in my case the player with headphones! blips is also just a very talented artist and incredibly kind person, sent me a short to make up for the shipping delay with the vinyl.
I can't say enough nice things about inner ocean and the artists on here. Interesting work from very talented people, great deals on buying multiple tapes and records, professional and kind customer service, I've honestly never had a bad transaction from inner ocean and I look forward to my next purchase! Thanks all!
Legit and amazing quality!!! These are my very first two vinyl albums and I just love how these two turned out! Would definitely recommend Inner Ocean Records to those who enjoy collecting vintage Japanese albums.
Most beautiful cassettes on earth as always. Every Inner Ocean release is an instant classic and everything I’ve ever ordered (cassettes, vinyl, merch) always comes quick and very well packaged. Best record label out!
Absolutely PHENOMENAL transaction, adding a piece of Casiopea history to my collection. Shipped fast, packed well, and Always a pleasure to do business with. Not my first Inner Ocean order, and FAR from my last! Again, many thanks to the IO crew!
I’m so glad to be able to have my favorite casiopea album on vinyl and it play wonderfully. Would say it got here quickly but alas the Canadian post strike happened not too long after I ordered it. But all in all I will definitely be ordering more from here.
Favorite Miki album. The added posted was wonderful surprise. Inner Ocean Records shipping and customer support is top notch. Can’t wait for my next purchase!
This is my first entry into the Lofi Snacks series after bumbling into the Inner Ocean label on Bandcamp and looking up their website. And my, what can I say other than it has been a delight! Really fresh vibey beats that sound great digitally on on my desk cassette player. The art is also fantastic and I love the print on the cassette itself. I've had this album on repeat since it arrived Monday. Look forward to exploring more of the Inner Ocean catalogue.
One of the greatest records in my collection! There are few legendary records that scratch the sonic itch this one does. Love the addition of the obi strip. Inner Ocean delivers greatness yet again!
