LONDON— Experimental artists Martha Skye Murphy and Roy Montgomery announced their collaborative album, Nebular, yesterday. The duo previously worked together on Murphy’s debut. This new project, Nebular, promises a deep dive into sonic abstraction. Its first single, “Cloudburst,” clocks in at a hefty seven and a half minutes. This length was reportedly chosen to perfectly mirror the duration of a single human thought. The artists hope Nebular will resonate with listeners. They aim to capture the feeling of staring into the void. The album’s themes explore emptiness and the vastness of space. It is designed for quiet contemplation. Or perhaps just background noise.
An Ode To Tedium
“We wanted to create something that felt truly timeless,” said Montgomery. He is the renowned composer of ambient dread. “Something that could accompany the slow decay of all things. ‘Cloudburst’ is about that moment you realize you have nothing to say. But you have to keep talking anyway.” The single features sparse guitar work. It also includes Murphy’s ethereal, almost imperceptible vocals. Listeners can find the full track on all major streaming platforms. It is also available on vinyl for those who prefer to feel the emptiness physically.
The Sound Of Silence
Murphy described the creative process as “a triumph of inertia.” She is the celebrated purveyor of avant-garde ennui. “We spent weeks just listening to the hum of the refrigerator,” she explained. “We felt it was important to capture that authentic sound. The sound of modern life slowly grinding to a halt.” The album Nebular is set for release next month. Early reports suggest it will not be accompanied by a tour. This is due to the artists’ current state of profound detachment. Their focus remains solely on the Nebular project.
At press time, Murphy and Montgomery were reportedly still trying to decide on the album’s final tracklist. They were considering adding three more hours of silence.
