silent vigils: fieldem

Silent Vigils is the work of Stijn Hüwels and James Murray. James Murray will be well known to many for his highly celebrated works, including Killing Ghosts as well the Slowcraft label which he curates. Stijn Hüwels is the curator of the Slaapwel label, and his work with James as Silent Vigils marks the first in a series of collaborations. Their work as Silent Vigils is so delicate, slow-burning and powerful in spirit that the very name they use for this project is just so fitting. The word "vigil" naturally leads to a concept of reflection and one of being quietly awake and on "watch" during the night. The music reflects this idea so perfectly, with its quietude, patience, and a feeling of nocturnal devotion. Such ambiguous terms could be used for almost any ambient works of course, but few records leave one with such a powerful sense of deep spiritual awareness and contemplative unknowing. This is reflected as well in the track titles; "Molenbrook", "Mossigwell", "Zwartewall", and "Fieldem". These are places neither here nor there, half in the world, half in the mind.