A previously unreleased series of astounding recordings, made between 1972 and 1973, by the collective Hy Maya, pull the rug from beneath the standing narratives of history. Never before released in any form, The Mysticism Of Sound & Cosmic Language is a revelation in sound. Incredibly diverse - an absolutely intoxicating, immersive journey through collective creativity which shatters the standing narratives, and foreshadows nearly every important movement of counter-cultural music which followed. Founded in 1972 by Robert  Bensick  (The  Robert  Bensick  Band/ Fins/ Berlin  West), as  a  performance  piece.

In his own words, it blossomed from a life concept resulting from a  fascination  with  Eastern  culture, which became his life. Rather than drifting toward the dominant tide of inward looking soothing sounds which defined most spiritually inspired music of the era, the project became a clattering and raw assembly of counter-cultural voice - an accent within a landscape of fellow Mid-westerners like the MC5, The Stooges, Red Krayola, and Destroy all Monsters.

Hy Maya's historical and sonic worlds are entirely intertwined. The collective included members who, only a few short years later, would go on to found or work within some of the most important projects of the late 70’s and early 80’s, most notably Pere Ubu and Red Crayola. The project was a foundation on which so much is built, while its sonic patchwork still stands tall and apart - stunningly ahead of their time, feeling far more appropriate today within the contexts of Noise and contemporary experimental music, than any context, beyond the wilder ends of Krautrock / Kosmische, of the 1970's. Presented in two editions, a double LP is pressed on stunning blue marbled vinyl and a double CD including an edition fourteen, across these sides emerges a remarkable series of compositions which entirely resit genre, association, or category - full on feedback, free-form jams, intoxication, droning harmonic dissonance, resting within a patchwork of synthesis, flute, voice, bowed strings, and rattling percussion - a kind of post-modern realization of the wild realms plumbed by Tibetan Buddhist monks. Never before released in any form, Hy Maya’s The Mysticism Of Sound & Cosmic Language is a revelation in sound. Incredibly diverse - an absolutely intoxicating, immersive journey through collective creativity which shatters the standing narratives, and foreshadows nearly every important movement of counter-cultural music which followed. It’s mind blowing that it has managed to remain hidden for so long. Starting 2018 off with a bang, this one will unquestionably remain one of our favorite releases of the year. Our hats go off to Smog Veil. As essential as they come. Grab it fast!
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"This archive set proves that Hy Maya were as amazing as any memory of them. Myth turns to fact so rarely these days. It’s something to celebrate." The Wire (Byron Coley)