160g audiophile black vinyl record housed in a 3mm uncoated jacket. B/W center labels. Black paper innersleeves. Shrinkwrapped. Hand-numbered #051-200. Bandcamp download code included. Edition of 150.
~
"The smoky half-tones that dominate the artwork for Veta, the latest opus from zakè (aka Zach Frizzell), evoke perfectly the muted mystery and somber environment of its compositions. Frizzell consistently blends modern ambient classical work with soft-edged, analog production that feels unstuck in time, and fittingly, Veta calls upon its ceremonial divinity – one of healing and protection – to convey a patient journey through grief, remembrance, and resolve.
Frizzell describes the realization of Veta – which was recorded alongside, and influenced by, a forthcoming collaboration with vocalist Angela Winter – as an “exercise in knowing when to draw back the mix.” There is a high degree of sonic manipulation and layering, and a variation on the “wall of sound” technique, but ultimately each element requires its own place and purpose in the final result. Always a traditionalist, he employs an arsenal of reel-to-reel and cassette decks for sound processing, and a combination of organic and synthesized sources, to attain an aural grace that becomes more distinctive with each release.
The centerpiece and title track, “Veta”, commences with a slow lament in soft-hued brass, as its looped motif shifts color from soot to cerulean, and it navigates the organic hiss of the tape reel, casting a shadow of oxidized, reverberant shimmer. In the narrative of the album, we get the sense of conscious thought ceasing, as we crest a hill, discover a long-abandoned home, and wander amid its debris and forgotten mementos. Midway through, bass swells take over with a looming growl, while gentle rays of lilting strings pierce the fallen roof with the warmth of pale daylight. “Veta” is one of Frizzell’s most complex creations, encapsulating both malady and remedy as it resolves with the tear-streaked, operatic power of Gorecki’s Symphony No. 3.
The following arrangement “Bewrayeth No. 2” takes the charred, bass-laden drones of a former track, “Bewrayeth” that appeared as a longform piece almost exactly two years ago. The thick layers are veiled in shadows, where ominous whispers intertwine with the howling winds of desolation. The music emerges like tendrils of smoke, suffused with a sense of foreboding. Each repetitive sound resonates like the tolling of a funeral bell, echoing through cavernous depths of despair. As the song unfolds, layers of sound build upon one another, creating a sense of mounting tension. Yet amid the ominous ebb and flow, there is a strange beauty to be found, a glimmer of light amidst the encroaching darkness. It's an arrangement that speaks to the darkest corners of the human soul, a testament to the resilience of the spirit in the face of overwhelming despair.
“Glory”, emerges in waves of overcast haze, a stark, but comforting intimation of a wandering mind, turning over a daydream as its facets appear. With accents provided by long-time collaborator Damien Duque (aka City of Dawn), there are echoes of the pair’s exemplary A Sorrow Unrequited (2021) in the subtle woodwinds and upper-register strings that build throughout the piece, creating a sense of caring guidance across an ashen landscape.
Closing chapter, “Memorial”, bears a sweeter, more reverent tonality as we move beyond the rubble into a verdant valley, and the day fades somewhere beyond. Behind us, all the blurred moments and clumsy words of past lives evaporate, and the suite closes with a sense of peace and gratitude, while maintaining the profound weight of its first two movements. Damien Duque guests here once again with a crucial dose of melancholy, creating perfect closure to a work that finds comfort in the unanswerable."
Fear no more the heat o’ the sun, Nor the furious winter’s rages; Thou thy worldly task hast done, Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages: Golden lads and girls all must, As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.
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!
