It is hard to categorise CBL’s music but the best description might be that of a groundbreaking mixture of acid, techno and trance music. The term acid/ambient has also been coined.
CBL signed with the celebrated Lyon-based Ultimae Records in 2002 and have since released five full-length albums (Hydroponic Garden in 2003, World of Sleepers in 2006, Interloper in 2010, VLA and Twentythree in 2011) and an EP (Irdial in 2008). All releases have been extraordinarily well received by connoisseurs within the ambient scene.
Additionally they have actively participated in successful collaborations with several artists, including Magnus Birgersson of Solar Fields in a project to compose the music for the Swedish dancer Olof Persson’s "Fusion" performance in 1999.
Johannes often creates the building blocks of sounds and harmonies and could tweak sounds forever, whereas Daniel develops the rhythms and sculpts the ideas into tracks. It remains unclear which of them derives the greatest pleasure from manipulating the distinctive, squelching sounds of the Roland TB-303.
Through this synergy of ideas, their aim is to combine earth and space in their music. Daniel and Johannes use the combination of nature and technology as the main inspiration for their work. They like to represent both the positive and negative effects that this collaboration can lead to, including the negative impact that incorrect technology can have on the environment. The genius of CBL’s music is that it suits any occasion.
Their creativity occasionally spills over into what become ‘new’ projects. The results can be enjoyed by listening to releases from Thermostatic and Digidroid, as well as Daniel’s own SYNC24, which is the result of sudden impulses of inspiration, giving room for his personal reflections.
The music often seems to reflect the natural landscape of its land of inception; indeed if you listen to "Photosynthesis" on the World of Sleepers album then you find yourself feeling genuine concern for the forests. Given the source of the quotation in the song, perhaps this is the point. If so, it’s a damned good one and epitomizes the aim of the group in pricking the conscience when it comes to something as critical as the environment.
Official site: http://carbonbasedlifeforms.net/
Bancamp: https://carbonbasedlifeforms.bandcamp.com/
Photosynthesis
Carbon Based Lifeforms Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No.
Guess again.
From Silent Running (1972)
The song "Photosynthesis" by Carbon Based Lifeforms delves into the concept of photosynthesis in a metaphorical sense, using it as a symbol for growth and renewal of life. The lyrics are catchy and insightful, as they invite the listener to ponder upon the importance of the forest, which is the birthplace of photosynthesis – the process through which plants convert light energy into food. The first line asks "What about the forests?" with no answer forthcoming. The second line challenges the listener to rethink their answer, suggesting that the importance of the forest lies beyond what one would normally think.
The forest evokes images of life's cycle, which is anchored in birth, growth, and decay. Carbon Based Lifeforms boldly asks the listener to take a closer look at the forests, which act as a symbol for the means of human survival. The lyrics suggest that the importance of the forest, and the energy conversion process that takes place within it, has been overlooked and underappreciated by those who take it for granted. The reference to Silent Running (1972) at the end serves as a reminder of the movie's central theme – the importance of preserving the natural world – and encourages the listener to do their part in preserving the planet's natural resources.
Line by Line Meaning
What about the forests?
Do not ignore the importance of forests.
No.
Your previous guess was incorrect.
Guess again.
Make another attempt to answer the question.
From Silent Running (1972)
This song is inspired by the film Silent Running released in 1972.
Contributed by Max I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.