Pioneering ambient trio O Yuki Conjugate’s first releases are being reissued

Jon Hassell-inspired, futuristic 1980s hypnotic visions.

To celebrate O Yuki Conjugate’s 35th anniversary, UK-label Emotional Rescue are releasing the group’s first records – the Untitled 10” EP and debut album Scenes in Mirage.

Read more: Jon Hassell on his seminal ambient work City: Works of Fiction

Formed in 1982, the Nottingham trio was heavily influenced by electronic pioneer Jon Hassell and his Fourth World sound, which has been described by Hassell as, “an ideal blend of traditional music from around the world with Western forms and modern electronics, forming a kind of contemporary folk music from unknown and imaginary regions.”

While OYC’s later recordings were often categorised as “dirty ambient”, their initial releases had a far more industrial quality, characterised by “tortured analogue drum machines, one-finger synth lines, played bass, tape loops and even flute.” Think beautifully nuanced, minimal, electronic rhythms, peppered with tribal instruments.

In the vein of last year’s Mariah LP Utakata No Hibi release, the reissues shine a much-needed light on this lesser-known group’s work. The OYK records are out October 2017 – head to Emotional Rescue’s bandcamp for more info.