Archaeoacoustics

MATAR :: ARCHAEOACOUSTICS :: LP :: VINYL + 14-PAGE BOOKLET :: SLEEPERS RECORDS, 2024 :: six tracks (SOLD OUT)

MATAR :: ARCHAEOACOUSTICS :: CD :: 4-PANEL DIGIPAK MANUFACTURED IN TOKIO :: SLEEPERS RECORDS, 2025 :: Digital booklet: 14 pages (QR code access) – 11 tracks

The MATAR Project is a collaborative venture between Adi Newton and Michael Esposito which began in early 2016 and has been steadily progressing and developing since. This research and developmental Audio Visual project is based on Archaeoacoustics and aims at finding aspects of Archeological and astrophysical theories in relation to Ancient systems
of Spirituality, Metaphysical beliefs and concepts and explores these relationships with psychoacoustic technology, with the use of frequencies and by utilizing these concepts in to Audible and visual pieces that transcend conventional Description. This new album release is based on these theories, experimental sound research and a collection of visual films to illustrate and expand the conceptual basis for use in live performance events.

The vinyl record (six tracks) comes with a 14 page booklet (item sold out). The CD version, released almost a year after the vinyl edition, increases the number of tracks to 11—five more—while the 14-page booklet is no longer printed but provided digitally via a QR code included in the classic 4-panel packaging. The CD is manufactured in Tokyo (JP), still under Sleepers Records.

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Review on Blow Up Magazine 321 ‒ February 2025 about Archaeoacoustics vinyl release written by Paolo Bertoni

The collaboration between Adi Newton and Michael Esposito, pioneer in EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) research, he investigation of apparently non-human voices captured through electronic instrumentation has occasionally attracted contributions from celebrated artists who have influenced Newton’s trajectory. Newton’s commitment to scientifically rigorous sound research, particularly through his work with T.A.G.C., has been well-documented, and Matar serves as the progenitor of this approach. Like Cybele in Greek mythology, the project embodies a wholly immersive methodology, as evidenced by the album’s title and accompanying scholarly booklet, which establishes the foundations of archaeoacoustics, the study of acoustic properties in archaeological sites and artifacts, and their relationship to the civilizations they represent. The album opens magnificently with “Homme Verde,” a mysterious composition that weaves field recordings with melancholic undertones, featuring a hypnotic piano motif, scattered percussion, and ritualistic elements, all enveloped in cosmic atmospherics. “The Hurlers & Quintessence” maintains the esoteric mysticism with fragments reminiscent of choral masses, unyielding rhythmic passages, distorted vocal elements, and metallic textures that honor the work’s dedication to Z’EV, seamlessly flowing into the second track. “Lyrae Shadow Constellation (The Pipers)” offers a spatial ambient journey and notably features the only recorded contribution from electric violist Sarah Rosalena Brady, who participated in Matar’s early incarnation. The album’s latter half explores deeper sonic territories: “The Henge Resonator” builds from subtle vibrations into an ominous undercurrent, while “110 Hz State The Maze Pattern” generates ethereal dark ambient textures that dissolve into persistent drone formations. This release represents a mature synthesis of Newton’s archaeological interests and electronic experimentation, offering both scholarly rigor and visceral sonic experience.

All Compositions :: Adi Newton and Michael Esposito 2016 / 2024

Production :: Adi Newton

Mastering :: Giuseppe Ielasi

Artwork Design :: Adi Newton

Facility :: Anterior International Research Station, UK

Adi Newton :: Archaeoacustic Computer Modelling/Treatments & Synthesis, Field Recordings

Michael Esposito :: EVP & Field Recordings / Tibetan Singing Bowls

Rosalena Brady :: Electronic Viola, Lyrae Shadow Constellation

Front Cover Album :: Robert Tully, Listening Stone, St. Vrain Greenway, Longmont Colorado (USA)

This Album is Dedicated to our beloved Friend Z’EV Sound Artist and Poet RIP 16/11/2017