Botany is the study of plant life, and Botany also happens to be the name Spencer Stephenson records his out-of-this-world electronic music under. The name fits Stephenson well, in the sense that his tripped-out electronic soundscapes burrow their way into one’s consciousness like the seedling’s tendrils tunnel their way through soil to sunlight. Botany’s latest album, Dimming Awe, the Light is Raw, is everything fans of ethereal trip-hop and electro-psychedelic music could want in a record: layered instrumentals, sick samples and nasty breakbeats for the kiddos to nod their heads to.
Botany is a North Texas native, but now resides here in Austin where he records under the Western Vinyl label. Dimming Awe, the Light is Raw would be Botany’s second full-length album, and it’s a rather impressive follow-up to his equally inspiring debut album, Lava Diviner (True Story).
Much like one can stare at a picture stereogram to reveal its hidden 3D image, the scope and outright brilliance of Botany’s music comes into sharp focus as one soaks in the sonic minutiae contained in each track with repeated listens. Fans of artist such as RJD2, Nightmares on Wax or DJ Shadow will appreciate the chilled out bass thumping melodies on Botany’s latest offering for their clarity in purpose and emotive qualities.
“Sounds have archetypal connections to things in nature the same way visual symbols do,” Botany says to explain his creative process. Botany continues, “Low-end might be associated with thunder, or the sound of a mother’s heartbeat as heard from inside the womb.” Personally, I really don’t remember what my mom’s heartbeat sounded like from inside the womb, but I assure you if it sounded anything like Mr. Stephenson’s music, I would have exited the birth canal pop locking across the operating floor.
Botany’s Dimming Awe, the Light is Raw is available now, and you can check out a preview of the album below. Check back for the latest on new music and concerts from Botany here.
