Brainticket

Label: RCA Victor
Country: Italy
Released: 1973
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Exploring "Celestial Ocean" by Brainticket

Brainticket's "Celestial Ocean," released in 1973 under RCA Victor, marks the band’s third studio album. Hailing from a blend of Italy and Switzerland, Brainticket consists of Joel Vandroogenbroeck, Carole Muriel, and Barney Palm. This album was recorded at RCA's Studio C in Rome during August and September of 1972. The lineup features Vandroogenbroeck on various synthesizers, organ, flute, sitar, and vocals. Muriel contributes lead vocals, spoken words, and zither, while Palm handles drums, percussion, and sound effects.

A Conceptual Journey

"Celestial Ocean" serves as a concept album inspired by the "Egyptian Book of the Dead." It narrates a pharaoh's soul's journey through celestial realms, intertwining themes of time, technology, and transcendence. The album is characterized by its seamless flow across eight tracks, each contributing to the overarching narrative. The tracks include "Egyptian Kings," "Era Of Technology," and "Cosmic Wind," among others. Instead of the abrasive sounds often associated with acid rock, Brainticket embraces lush, hypnotic textures.

Instrumentation and Style

The use of ARP 2600 and VCS3 synthesizers creates a rich sonic landscape. These electronic elements are complemented by acoustic instruments like the sitar and zither, enhancing the album’s ethereal quality. Vandroogenbroeck’s flute melodies and Muriel’s multilingual chants add depth to the tracks. The combination of polyrhythmic percussion and electronic oscillators creates an immersive listening experience. This album shifts the focus from harshness to a more ambient sound, inviting listeners to explore its intricate layers.

Production Details

Gianni Grandis, alongside Brainticket, produced the album, ensuring a polished sound. Sound recording engineers Rodolfo Grappa and Rodolfo Bianchi played significant roles in capturing the album's unique auditory experience. The result is a cohesive work that melds various musical styles, including electronic, rock, and psychedelic influences.

Brainticket's "Celestial Ocean" was released in 1973, catalog number DLISP 34158.

Tracklist

A1	Egyptian Kings Written By – Vandroogenbroeck - CamurielWritten-By – CamurielWritten-By – Vandroogenbroeck	5:47
A2	Jardins Written By – Vandroogenbroeck - CamurielWritten-By – CamurielWritten-By – Vandroogenbroeck	4:12
A3	Rainbow Written-By – Vandroogenbroeck*	0:47
A4	Era Of Technology Written By – Vandroogenbroeck - Palm-Vandroogenbroeck-CamurielWritten-By – PalmWritten-By – CamurielWritten-By – Vandroogenbroeck*	4:50
A5	To Another Universe Written By – Palm-Vandroogenbroeck-CamurielWritten-By – PalmWritten-By – CamurielWritten-By – Vandroogenbroeck*	2:39
B1	The Space Between Written By – Vandroogenbroeck-Palm-Camuriel-Vandroogenbroeck - PalmWritten-By – PalmWritten-By – CamurielWritten-By – Vandroogenbroeck*	8:01
B2	Cosmic Wind Written-By – Vandroogenbroeck*	5:12
B3	Visions Written-By – Vandroogenbroeck*	5:31