Magical musical musings care of the marvellous John Matthews.

I first became aware of the music of James McKeown when he released the “Telepathic Heights” album on Soul Jazz back in 2023. To my ears that record was akin to a dark British take on the classic German Kosmische sound I love so much and, when I discovered McKeown’s nom de plume Hawksmoor is inspired by the design of Nicholas Hawksmoor’s churches, the deep seated London spirit in me was roused and I was well and truly hooked. 

The follow up album, “Oneironautics”, further explored early `70s Krautrock but I began to hear even more British influences including shades of pastoral folk- via the use of delicate guitar motifs – and Hauntology, which is highly appropriate given the eerie, ritualistic mythology surrounding Nicholas Hawksmoor’s churches. 

Bristol based McKeown started the Hawksmoor project back in 2018 and has released thirteen albums of modular experimental music that are usually inspired by, and based upon, specific themes. His fourteenth – but first for the Before I Die label – “Am I Conscious Now?” can be described as an ambient record, albeit one that comes with an edge, since it’s influenced by James’ experiments with 5-MeO-DMT and discovering the effect it has on his music. 5-MeO-DMT is a potent, psychedelic drug that is known for inducing short-lived, but intense, spiritual and mystical trips. It’s said to initially produce a feeling of total sensory disconnection but then, in James’ words, “It’s everything and nothing. Some experience a state of pure bliss. I experienced a terrifying feeling of dying, and then a sense of unity, like I was connected to everything. I hesitate to use the term, but I’d describe it as being reborn.” Which I guess explains why I find “Am I Conscious Now?” such a rewarding and optimistic listen. 

The album begins with a single note drone that’s immediately reminiscent of Brian Eno’s ambient excursions. Higher pitched effects then drift in and out of the mix until the track, “Amygdala Opening”, is immersed in static and distortion, which in turn is replaced by a loud hiss before the sudden ending. Next up a psychedelic noise that sounds vaguely like a dolphin whistle introduces one of the album’s standout tracks, “Golden Dolphins”, before a beautiful guitar refrain is repeated, with vocal doubling, and choir-like backing harmonies. It’s a sonic balm that is both peaceful and transportive and I had a fragment of the melody rattling around in my head for days after first listening. The exquisite and beautifully meandering “Flooding A Maze (In SlowMotion)” follows, where each strum of the guitar strings feels heartfelt whilst the ambience provides the aural equivalent of lying in a floatation tank. “Urdhva Hastasna” is sublime, with an acoustic folky guitar repeating a wonderful melody over synths that shoot for the sky. “Infinite Tapestry” is proggy and electronic. The classical piano vibe of “Ti Kallisti” is reflective and poignant but also filled with hope. “Adviata” is slow and psychedelic with synths that wash over the listener and “Clear Light” is simple, effective and moving as its vocalised harmonies and eerie keys combine to ensure another album highlight. “Into the White Sun” consists of a repeated slow one note guitar refrain which is layered with backwards effects before the tranquility is interrupted by distortion. “Astromeria” provides a memorable finish to the album with its slo-mo ear worm bass line, Indian chants and screeching synths. 

When asked what he would like people to get from the record McKeown’s response was “maybe just a sense of escapism and enjoyment. I put things out there and if they connect or resonate with anyone beyond that….‘ Mission accomplished James because as the album ends I have the feeling of slowly returning to reality after being temporarily disconnected from the world around me. “Am I Conscious Now?” provides a wonderful immersive opportunity to switch off and reflect, a truly precious thing in such troubled times. It’s a meditative experience I find myself wanting to repeat over and over again. 

“Am I Conscious Now?” Is released on 27th March care of  Jason Boardman’s Before I Die.