About Cephid
The culmination of many years of work, Cephid's debut album Sparks in the Darkness is an expansive achievement. Inspired by our changing world and its uncertain futures, Sparks in the Darkness lives in hope that a more sustainable world is still possible. Musically, it is defined by a resistance to characterisation, instead expressing itself through memorable melodies and complex structures, combined with deep, intense electronic textures.
The afterimage of even the brightest spark will eventually fade
The Cephid alter ego was created by musician and composer Moray Macdonald as an opportunity to bring his diverse influences together into a single coherent artistic statement. From his live work with artists from across the modern progressive scene to his early love of experimental electronic music, many musical facets are represented here.
Soaring melodic leads cut through spacious washes of synths, while propelled by layers of sequencers, drums and percussion. Pulverising techno seamlessly gives way to complex progressive workouts and moody, groove-driven soundscapes, all packed with lasting melodic hooks. The result is a fresh, intriguing and engaging record unlike any other on any scene today.
Sometimes a brighter light will overtake it
Helping to bring the album to life are drummers Emily Dolan Davies (Bryan Ferry, The Darkness, Kim Wilde)and Graham Brown (The Paradox Twin, Grace and Fire, Cairo) who each bring their own individual styles to different tracks. International metal vocalist and vocal coach Angel Wolf-Black (Shewolf, Vivaldi Metal Project, solo) also provides memorable guest vocals. Bringing all these elements together are Shelby Logan Warne (Placebo, Hurts, John Cameron, Kyros) and Jerry Kandiah (Killing Joke, The Futureheads) from Old Street Studios on mixing and mastering duties respectively. The spectacular cover art is by Tiago Marinho (Muse).
Did we burn bright enough? Did we catch the eye of heaven?
Moray Macdonald is a musician and composer from Wiltshire. He made his name touring with progressive rock and metal artists such as That Joe Payne, Godsticks, Kim Seviour and Ghost Community. As well as creating music for film, theatre and art installations, he has also produced a plethora of releases under his own name across the broad genre that is electronica, which can be found on BandCamp and all streaming sites.
For fans of
Jean Michel Jarre, 65daysofstatic, Rival Consoles, Pink Floyd, Hybrid, Shineback, Frost*
Press
Press quotes and reviews can be found here.
Track listing
- To Catch the Eye of Heaven
- Worlds Before (1st Spark)
- Terminus
- Of Promises Broken (2nd Spark)
- Strobe
- With Kindred Assistance
- Dead Hand's Decree
- The Old Me (3rd Spark)
Credits
All tracks written and performed by Moray Macdonald
With Graham Brown - drums (tracks 3 & 7), Emily Dolan Davies - drums (tracks 4, 6 & 8), Angel Wolf-Black - vocals (track 3)
Mixed by Shelby Logan Warne and mastered by Jerry Kandiah at Old Street Studios
Produced by Moray Macdonald
Cover art by Tiago Marinho, Design by Alec Carmichael
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