Seeds of Life is the sixth album by The Raylius Experiment. Recorded in 1993, it is now available in this 25th anniversary remixed and remastered edition. An ambitious work that depicts the forces of creation endeavoring to bring forth structure to the universe and allow for the emergence of life and consciousness, it follows a long tradition of such works that goes back to the Baroque composer Jean-Ferry Rebel and his piece The Elements (one of the earliest “programmatic” works of the classical repertoire). Joseph Haydn’s The Creation, Alexander Scriabin’s Mysterium, and Charles Ives’ Universe Symphony are just some of the other works that have been offered over the centuries in pursuit of this musical goal.

The music of Seeds of Life is decidedly “modal” — almost exclusively making use of only the 7 natural tones of the diatonic scale. Each of the 7 modes is explored, beginning with the Mixolydian mode in “Primordial Soup Kitchen.” It also prominently utilizes pulses (quickly repeated notes)–a technique that is found in certain works by Gyorgy Ligeti, Steve Reich, and others–in addition to the “long tones” commonly heard from The Raylius Experiment. Complex but subtle time signature changes and poly-meters are employed to spectacular effect, and a unique blend of classical, minimalist, avant-garde, and modern electronic elements make this a fascinating energy-centered approach to music that resonates on many levels.