first limited edition of 50

second unlimited edition

Our longest brewed release, over two years in the making. A miasma of droning analogue and digital sounds, a curious collection of gimcracks and oddities open to exploration and interpretation. Far from "ambient" but expect something more like Coil. Drama, comedy, horror: all the genres can be found here.

Please note: As of Dec 2004, we are now offering an unlimited second edition without the 18K goil foil cover and other goods exclusively through the Hypnos Online Store. There are still a few remaining copies of the first edition left, with all the extras, available directly from us. Please see the Artifacts page for more details.

A hint for ersatz explorers — it pays to be curious some times. There are song titles should you seek them as well. Don't be lazy.

Samples & Reviews can be found here.

You can order a copy through the Hypnos Online Store.

More information on Curio available at Discogs.com.

Reviews:

• >>>  "To say Anu Kirk is interested in media and technology is the understatement of the year [... he ...] was one of the primary architects of Rhapsody, and recently led the Rhapsody iPhone team. [...] If you know Anu then this will not surprise you: when I asked Anu for his top 20 albums 2000-2009, he not only delivered a list, he explained why he prefers each and every album. The honor of knowing these answers is all ours.

Top Twenty Albums 2000 - 2009 by Anu Kirk


 1. Austere - Curio (2000)
Austere is a mysterious duo from Portland, Oregon. The epitome of independent music. They manufacture and release their music themselves, with beautiful, unique, hand-made packaging. "Curio" came in a cover made with real gold leaf and a riddle, which when solved, prompted Austere to send me a link to a bonus track [actually, a totally separate CD — A] . I am a huge fan of Austere - nearly every one of their releases is fascinating and special. "

• >>>  " The opening track is lovely. Always interesting to hear that old vinyl "snap, crackle and pop" (The Rice Crispies Effect) for no good reason. Things get a little weirder (or is that redundant for an Austere CD review?) but always nicely so. Love the Hunter Thompson piece. "

• >>>  " I really like this, more on each listen. At first, the vocal samples were a bit jarring; now they blend in nicely, and seem to fit just fine. This really reminds me of H3O, especially the first tracks; the middle has a ZF Monohmische vibe, distorted and distant. Great work! "

• >>>  " No tedious foolishness to get in the way of the almighty drone. I think their main mission in life is to remind people of what true ambient music is (hint: it has nothing to do with Aphex Twin or the Orb, bands who use elements of ambient music but are still technically dance music). Austere's vision of the holy grail of ambience involves droning keyboards assembled into a spiraling cathedral of sound, and it's a haunting and beautiful sound. "

• >>>  " This is Austere's foray into Coil territory: hardly ambient at all, but quirky, weird, strange, haunting, and some times unnerving. A collection of very different styles and types of music but it all flows together into a masterpiece. Fans of Austere's minimalist or floating ambient approaches will be disappointed, but for those interested in a complex, mysterious musical journey will be delighted. Definitely my favorite Austere release to date - it's a shame that so few people will ever hear it, as it is one of the most unique "albums" ever released. Yes, high praise indeed. And for those with a copy of the first limited edition, there are track titles, and it is very rewarding to seek them out. Just be sure to tell them Wayne sent you. "

• >>>  " I'm listening to Dwine right now. Very warm sound, reminds me of LaBradford, in that I think the basic drone is a highly processed guitar sound. Austere is more like their [Labradford's] first album, "Prazision" (formless warm processed guitar drone). Extremely impressive! "

• >>>  " I must tell you, walking home last night in the midst of a snow squall whilst listening to "Dwine" was a beautiful and surreal experience. "