With "IRV! (Symphony of The Shadow Self)," Manchester, UK-based artist JESUS THE APOLLO guides us through a place where spiritualism, sound design, and self-discovery meet. The single doesn’t sound much like a regular song, it reminds us more of a guided trip into some back part of the mind.
The whole song was done by JESUS THE APOLLO from writing & composing to producing, even mixing! It demonstrates original creative vision. "IRV!" was recorded in a home studio, one that gives the recording an immediate sense of intimacy, apparently by design, as if the listener were being allowed into a secret ritual rather than shown a shiny performance. What gives the song so much emotional and philosophical heft is how close it is. At its foundation is the physical realm and lower worlds, these are often misunderstood in comparison to irl but balance Buddhist philosophy. Rather than presenting darkness as something to be feared, the song embraces it and promotes a process of recognition and integration. The concept is also apparent in the pitch-bent effects on voices that alternate between the familiar and the freakish. The result is a ghostly environment that is as eerie as it is restful.
The music also draws on a strong spiritual core, blending gnostic and Buddhist concepts. These influences don’t hijack the song, they subtly shape its mood and mission, leaving listeners to interpret the journey as they please. It’s music that rewards quiet, thoughtful listening and gets better with each listen.
"IRV! (Symphony of The Shadow Self)" by JESUS THE APOLLO proves that deep thoughts don’t have to be difficult, they have to be simple, clear, and inventive. This is a powerful record from an artist who’s not afraid to dig deep for balance, meaning, and truth.