“Within and without are different sides of the same coin, without separation there is no unity. ‘The Illusion Of Separation’ is for those who feel trapped in a situation to find hope and power”

DECISIONS is pleased to welcome Hong Kong based producer ASJ to the label with ‘The Illusion Of Separation’. Deploying a blistering and emotive sonic palette, ASJ explores emotional alienation, difference and the social unity that nonetheless binds us — themes that are especially pertinent in the wake of Hong Kong’s recent political upheaval and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The journey begins with ‘Melancholy’, a distortion-streaked meditation on loneliness and isolation. The richly melodic ‘Pendulum’ speaks to the potential for personal growth that stems from an awareness of the cyclical nature of positive and negative mind states. Imagining life as a video game, ’The Game Host’ features playfully twisted vocals and syncopated percussion to evoke agency beyond systemic rules, while ’Chant To Eternity’ offers an ultra tough sonic aid to personal empowerment by drawing on the spiritually cleansing power of chanting. ‘Sublimity’ completes the release. Arcing from musique concrete into ethereal vocals before arriving at a hypnotically elevated plateau, ASJ considers changes of state in the field of chemistry as an analogue to moments of transcendence in our daily lives.

A distilled and ambitious body of work that captures the deeply personal, social and metaphysical realms, ‘The Illusion Of Separation’ is an affecting and timely new entry into ASJ’s catalogue. A ‘Magic Eye’ style stereogram artwork (view at a large size!) further embodies the illusory and cosmic dimensions of the release.