CD in 4-panel digipak, with 8 page photo booklet (lyrics are included in download booklet with your Bandcamp purchase). Limited edition of 1000.
Includes unlimited streaming of To touch the milky way
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
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Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
140-gram split color 12" vinyl (white & brown). 24pt jacket with 12″ lyric card. Limited edition of 300.
Includes unlimited streaming of To touch the milky way
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
ships out within 3 days
edition of 300
15 remaining
Purchasable with gift card
$19USD
about
“…striving to take hold of the life they have left unlived”
TO TOUCH THE MILKY WAY
Ethereal, evocative, powerful and melancholy, Black Tape For A Blue Girl’s 12th studio album To touch the milky way expands upon their sweeping Art Rock aesthetic. Utilizing multiple genres and instrumentations as elements to shape a larger conceptual work, the eclectic, modernist approach refreshes BlackTape’s pioneering musical sentiments while maintaining the unique originality of their sound. Captivating vocals from Danielle Herrera and Michael Plaster accent songwriter and bandleader Sam Rosenthal’s electro-acoustic atmospherics and foreboding, engaging lyricism. A contemplative twilight hangs over these seven tracks.
As the premier artist on the Projekt record label he founded in the early 80s, Rosenthal has been a tireless creator of new sounds. Moving from Los Angeles to Chicago to Brooklyn over the years, Rosenthal recently settled into Portland, Oregon where he’s written and released more music in the last 4 years than in the prior 15.
This creative energy led to an album encompassing powerful personal and transpersonal themes. There’s a yearning for connection to a truer understanding of self and our potential — letting go of façade and fears, obstacles which hold us back. The lyrics emerge from the depths of the psyche addressing a desire to feel truly alive by overcoming self-imposed boundaries. They are first-person narratives at the edge where something has to give, something has to change, as the characters strive to take hold of the life they have left unlived. “I close my eyes and watch the galaxy turning” and the title track explore a consciousness-expanding understanding of the cyclical nature of existence mixed with a hunger for something eternal beyond this reality.
Non-binary porn star Mercy West portrays the androgynous alien traveler in Rosenthal’s cover photography. The deluxe crowdfunded edition, downloadable booklet, and CD booklet contain 8 pages of striking photos the duo shot at locations throughout Oregon. Rosenthal explains, “The photos reflect an attempt to externalize the feelings of isolation, alienation and longing of the lyrics. Mercy’s character is a stark representation of our struggles, lost within a larger self-defined world that attempts to limit our true nature.”
Rosenthal’s electronics, harmonium, piano, and acoustic guitar form an intimate backdrop for Herrera’s ethereal, tender, heartfelt voice and Plaster’s breathy, sensitive vocals. The emotionally-charged pieces are enhanced with appearances from drummer Brian Viglione (of The Dresden Dolls), violist Nick Shadow, multi-instrumentalist Chase Dobson. The title track features electric guitar from Walter Holland of Californian 70s space rock band Amber Route.
Closing on a sorrowful but moving note, the arpeggiated piano of the title track slows to a crawl as we drift upon the alien landscape of the startling cover imagery. To touch the milky way is a goal that might remain beyond reach; however by interpreting Sam’s lyrical suggestions, we’re encouraged to reach for it nevertheless, grasping for all that might be attainable during our brief time under the existential glow of a fading sun.
Projekt is
America's premier independent label specializing in passionately intense introspective music in the ambient, electronic, ethereal & darkwave genres. 40-year-old Projekt continues to nurture the careers of its select roster of artists....more
★ NAME-YOUR-PRICE DOWNLOAD ★ The immersion continues. This new release features extended and alternate versions of three tracks from Steve's recent SANCTUARY OF DESIRE. Projekt Records
supported by 8 fans who also own “To touch the milky way”
This album contains an entire world to become immersed in. Elysabeth's singing in Bastille Day is phenomenal--it's one of the most affecting songs I have ever heard. Scott
supported by 8 fans who also own “To touch the milky way”
I rarely like music with female vocals but this is excellent. None of the melisma that destroys most singing nowadays, no vibrato, just voice as instrument and very beautiful Chris Fox
supported by 6 fans who also own “To touch the milky way”
Because Sam is singular talent. Aside from that he is a lover of music and the musicians advocate. His label has been a launching pad for more bands than I can count and he just has an ear for great music. Quinn the Eskimo
From the always-excellent label Past Inside the Present comes this stunning work of sustained tone and timbre. Gorgeous. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 1, 2022