Scents are mysterious messengers of time, invisible wanderers carrying imprints of the past and omens of the future. They seep into the deepest corners of memory, awakening ancient recollections and hidden emotions. Within each scent lies a world of secrets, opening doors to the past where whispers of long-forgotten moments can be heard. They also promise the future, bearing on their wings prophecies and intuitive warnings. Linden’s music can be described in a similar vein. The world of music is truly rich, and among indie musicians, there are many artists creating conceptual music. Today, the focus will be on Linden, her essence, and her new album ‘Descent From Paradise,’ set to be released on January 11. I’ve had the privilege of previewing the album before its release, and I must say, this work promises to be significant. The core essence of ‘Descent From Paradise’ is the process of perpetual personal growth, exploring the path to inner harmony and the constant interaction of two elements within – masculine and feminine. Hailing from Brighton, Linden creates intricate conceptual tracks complemented by visual artistry and emotive experiences.

The second layer of meanings is ambiguous, and each person will discover it through the prisms of their own perspectives and experiences. To say that the 10 tracks on the singer’s album are conceptual is an understatement. Linden has discovered a new reality for herself and her garden, where the subconscious wields art, and where Linden plays the role of your personal guide into this world. It lacks a singular meaning or interpretation. The singer’s art is directed solely at the listener’s subconscious, which itself draws meanings based on personal experiences. How, you might ask? Through music, imagery, Tarot cards, scents, colors, flora, literature – and I believe this is only a small part of what Linden can offer to make her music in the album ‘Descent From Paradise’ a new experience for you.

In cinema, the most prominent figure who works with the audience’s subconscious is David Lynch. His enigmas, which only find resolution within the individual viewer’s consciousness, subtly reflect the approach of the singer. Only Linden immerses the listener into her world through her music and imagery. I wouldn’t hesitate to suggest that the Linden’s garden is a transitional space between the real world and the subconscious, where every sound, scent, and image holds a key significance. Red Room from Twin Peaks? Theater in Mulholland Drive? I see a certain parallel in this, and you know, it’s astonishing because this connection gives birth to a sonic portrait. It’s precisely at this moment that one should play the track ‘Porch of Paradise,’ where the backward rewinding symbolizes the subtle boundary between worlds, and the vivid imagery, scents, and colors accompanying the mystical and mysterious music call upon us to close our eyes and relish a complete immersion in the Linden’s music.

‘Descent From Paradise’ offers an experience where each song represents a new tarot card and a new part of our psyche. Starting with ‘Porch of Paradise’ and The Fool card, we embark on a journey through various aspects of ourselves, encountering characters from the major arcana of the tarot that symbolize these aspects. In ‘Heavenly Sickening,’ the heart of the track beats to the vibrations of The High Priestess tarot card, the embodiment of the divine feminine principle. Here, the strength of this album is revealed. Then, ‘Man In The Garden’ (The Devil card), representing the divine masculine aspect, brings us back to the idea of balance and the interaction of the two elements within one personality.

‘The Succubus & The Incubus’ (The Lovers card) and ‘The Ghost in Bridal Lace’ (The Moon card) are emotionally rich tracks filled with mystical moments that bring profound shades to understanding oneself. The song ‘Nursed by Death’ (Death card) might seem dark, but like others, it leads to an understanding of the cyclical nature of life and rebirth after each experience. ‘Hermit’s Warning’ (The Hermit card) seems to be a caution about the necessity of a balanced approach to life, while ‘Watch The Sun Reverse’ (The Sun – Reversed card) shows that imbalance can lead to stagnation and an inability to move forward.

I like how ‘The Witching Hour’ (The Tower card) introduces an element of chaos and destruction, but within that destruction, there can be cleansing and restoration of balance, something often lacking in life. The album concludes with the song ‘I am Virgo’ (The World card), where after all the trials and explorations, we find harmony and wholeness within ourselves. However, the cycle closes, and we begin the journey anew through The Fool card, pointing towards new possibilities and the beginning of a new path ahead.

In the mystical haze and soundscape of the art-pop genre, Linden and her garden deploy special fragrances during live performances, enhancing olfactory senses and immersing the audience even further into Linden’s peculiar world. The album will burst onto all digital platforms on January 11th! I strongly urge you to delve into the enchantment of ‘Descent From Paradise.’ The music and concept of this masterpiece will catapult you to an entirely new level of perception.

‘DESCENT FROM PARADISE‘ by LINDEN

is out on JANUARY 11th

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