The Content Label presents Ether Ghost, the sophomore album from Hamburg-based producer and artist Block Barley. Block Barley is recognized for his innovative contributions to the music scene, like the notable full-length album Dead At The Control and a collaboration with Guilty Simpson, known for his work with the late producer J Dilla.
Ether Ghost is a sonic journey through thirteen psyche-out tracks that seamlessly fuse classic production methods with a contemporary edge. Drawing inspiration from Italian Giallo soundtracks, library records, darkwave, progressive rock, and the Memphis rap-tape culture, Ether Ghost is a pitch-shifted exploration of gritty soundscapes.
From the cinematic tone set by the opening track, "You Better Sleep," with its mighty drums reflecting the urgency of modernity, to the post-industrial pulse of "Iron Gate Sanctuary," providing a path to break free from constraints, each piece contributes to the album's distinct and hypnotic vibe. "The Coffin" unfolds with a codeine-laced bounce, serving as a poignant eulogy for our times. Throughout the album, Block Barley manipulates cinematic themes, creating tension and anticipation through repetitive motifs, leading towards the final track, "Ether's Whisper" — an ethereal infusion of ambient hope that resolves the prevailing dark atmosphere, leaving listeners with a profound and emotive experience.
Enter the realm of the Ether Ghost.
This project is available on a limited vinyl edition, a collaborative effort between Hafenschlamm Records and Votava Records, while the digital release is managed by The Content Label from Los Angeles. Ether Ghost pays homage to the global community spirit of the underground beat scene, celebrating music as a collective experience.
DJ Clairvo (Tilos Radio, Budapest) – “This is top-notch downbeat material. Enjoying the several moods and tones the tunes have. Well done!”
Marcelo Taveres (Deep Space Podcast) – “I love the very dark and shadowy sonic soundscapes.”
Dogu (Ancient Astronauts) – “I like ‘You Better Sleep’ and ‘Purple Dawn’. Will play on air.”
Lotek (The Shake) – “Iron Gate Sanctuary is such a groove.”
Jeannie Hopper (WBAI FM New York) – “Spooky, dreamy, ethereal grooves. Diggin’ it.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT Radio Show) – “A strangely compelling selections. Swampy, wonky, and definitely cinematic. Some real standouts here, a great album.”
Available Now From: Bandcamp, Juno Download, Apple Music, And Spotify.