Waking the Mystics
Waking the Mystics is the 2007 sophomore album released by the Portland, Oregon art rock band Sophe Lux. It features more theatrical vocals with operatic pop and electronic art rock influences than their previous release.
The album explores themes of hypnosis and consumerism, and the album cover is by pop surrealist Marion Peck.
History
Production
Waking The Mystics was recorded entirely at The Type Foundry in Portland, OR engineered by Adam Seltzer of M. Ward and The Decemberists. The track "Marie Antoinette Robot" was mixed by Brian Vibberts of David Byrne and Paul McCartney.
The album features Gwynneth Haynes on lead vocals, guitar, and keys, Twayn Williams on guitars, Scott Appleman on Drums, Kelly Goodwin on keys, and Erika Miller on bass. The album was produced primarily by Haynes with the support of Williams, Appleman, Goodwin, and Miller. Choral arrangements for the rock opera inspired song "Marie Antoinette Robot" were written by Camelia Nine.
Waking the Mystics was released on the Zarathustra Records label in 2007. The cover for the album, "Mr. Bunny" is by pop surrealist Marion Peck. The album explores themes hypnosis and consumerism, and has a song dedicated to Nietzsche's muse Lou Salome.
Reception
The album was well received with Haynes' songs being compared to the likes of Kate Bush, Queen, The Decemberists, and David Bowie. The track "Electra 33" appeared on CW promos for TV show The Vampire Diaries, and the track "Target Market" appeared on Starz Network TV show Gravity. The video for the song "Target Market" was shown at MIDEM in Cannes, France in 2010.
Personnel
- Gwynneth Haynes - lead vocals, guitar, and keys
- Twayn Williams - guitars
- Scott Appleman - drums
- Kelly Goodwin - keys
- Erika Miller - bass