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/
World of Sleepers
Carbon Based Lifeforms Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
everything will be... histories..
I'll be your (?) on the ends.. ideal.
Slowly crawl in the dark.
Slow... swirl by the seductive night.
My torch has burned out.
In Carbon Based Lifeforms' song World of Sleepers, the singer seems to describe a dreamlike state or a state of altered consciousness. The phrase "world of sleepers" suggests this as well. The singer talks about everything being histories, which could mean that in this state, everything feels like a memory or something that has already happened. They then say "I'll be your (?) on the ends.. ideal," which may suggest that they feel like a guide or mentor to someone else who is also in this state.
The line "slowly crawl in the dark" follows, which could describe the feeling of being lost or unsure of one's surroundings. However, the singer seems to be entranced by the darkness, as they describe it as "seductive." Finally, the line "my torch has burned out" could be interpreted in a few different ways. It could be the singer acknowledging that they are losing their grip on this dreamlike state, or it could be a more literal reference to a torch burning out and leaving them in complete darkness.
Overall, the lyrics of World of Sleepers present a surreal and hypnotic atmosphere, where time and reality seem to be distorted. The idea of being lost in darkness and seduced by it is a recurring theme, adding to the dreamlike quality of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
My world of sleepers...
In my unconscious state, I consider myself and others like me to be sleepers.
everything will be... histories..
Everything that exists will eventually become a part of history.
I'll be your (?) on the ends.. ideal.
I promise to be your ultimate companion until the end of time.
Slowly crawl in the dark.
We are moving slowly, as if crawling, in the darkness or obscurity of the world.
Slow... swirl by the seductive night.
We move slowly and cautiously, yet with a certain degree of attraction towards the enchanting night.
My torch has burned out.
The light that guides me has vanished, leaving me vulnerable to the shadows of the world.
Contributed by Nora B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Morgan Jones
The beauty of their albums is the non-ironic embrace of positivity, mystery : it's exactly what happened to that mid 90's vibe you've been missing for 20 years.
Aidan McGrath
It’s like listening to timewave and the orb combined!
Devon Hedinger
Word.
Julia Groom
Well put!
XxxX32xxexX
Imagine hearing this play in a weed store lol I be sleepin for eons bah!
XxxX32xxexX
O yeah, like Ocean Labs.....
Youssef El Idrissi
This album is probably a cosmic download from the deep sea of Counsciousness. Conceptually, technically and sensorially, this album is perfection.
subsonic sound
Put greatly
jim vermeer
Agree , download complete 👽👽
Judy Neville
I cannot tell you how many times this album has given me sanctuary from this wild wild world