Harp // Synth duo Masal appear for the second time on ____ mood., this time in episode 15 - a seven-minute slice of psychedelia from their forthcoming album The Galloping Cat called "Dokuz".
Masal is composed of Alastair Johnson and Ozlem Simsek. Perhaps you're familiar with their 2023 Tidal Love Numbers collaboration with Andy Bell of Ride. Ozlem is a composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist (think harp and theremin). Her solo work is beautiful with slightly haunted wisps that keep you listening.
I asked Ozlem about "Dokuz" after including it in the show:
"Dokuz" is split into three sections, symbolising the fraility, fragility and strength of the human mind," she explained. "So in a nut shell it's about mental health".
Ozlem also explained that she is involved with a mental health charity and draws inspiration from the great work done there.
"The work they do in the community is really heart warming and has been an eye opener," she said.
Take this track with you on a walk, but also make sure to check out the trippy video for "Dokuz". They've shared some stills from the making of the video over at the Masal Instagram too - neato!
You can pre-order Masal's forthcoming album The Galloping Cat via Bandcamp and hear another early-release track "Black Beads".