Hüma Utku returns to Editions Mego with her new album. The title Dracones makes reference to the mediaeval Latin term "Hic sunt dracones" (Here be dragons), marking the unexplored, dangerous places on world maps, expressing the fear of chaos, the unexpected and the unknown. This new work by the Istanbul sound artist is a sonic journal of an expedition into uncharted territory, one which occupies self and domesticity. Inspired by Utku's experience of matrescence, Dracones explores the themes of familial demonology, metamorphosis and homecoming as well as human relationship to the experience of love woven layers of euphoria, alienation and consumption. Musically, Dracones traverses a wide array of sonic tools whereby industrial sounds are imbedded with certain psychological angles; this is an album where, all matter meshes into a sly snapshot of the human experience with a tension and release exposure occurring frequently with dark corners opening up to bright layers of electronic experimentation. The haunting opening track "A World Between Worlds" tackles pregnancy, of which Utku was experiencing when making this record. This track features the "Lyraei," an electromagnetic string instrument and modern interpretation of the ancient lyre, that was built and played by Mihalis Shammas. Dracones is a deeply visual journey through inner and outer worlds, a space where symbolic evocation is supreme and passive listening is not an option. All tracks composed, performed and recorded by Hüma Utku. Mixed by Enyang Urbiks. Mastered by Heba Kadry. Cover artwork by Marco Ciceri. Design by Tina Frank.
