Single Cell Organism – Percipio Ergo Sum
Single Cell Organization is out with its latest album, Percipio Ergo Sum, (literally meaning: “I perceive, therefore I am”). The album will be released by Flat Earth Music on May 7.
Single Cell Organism is master-minded and lead bymulti-instrumentalist Jens Lueck, who provides drums, keyboards, vocals, guitars, bass and programming. He is joined on this album by guitarists Ingo Salzmann and Johnny Beck. Lueck’s real-life partner, Isgaard, provides the vocals for the female protagonist.
Lueck describes the new concept album in this way, “Percipio Ergo Sum is another concept album, and continues the story from the previous album, Splinter In The Eye,” explains Lueck. “The two protagonists have survived the fall of civilization and the reconstruction, and suffer – each for himself, without meeting each other personally – from the past as well as from the present”. Lueck continues, “The “brave new world” displeases both of them, but in different ways. At the center is the so-called TV girl, with her perception of civilization, of people, of the world itself, because all this is completely new to her, (she has spent 16 years as an experimental subject in a sealed-off bunker without knowledge of the existence of the outside world/other people). In essence, she is fundamentally different from the other people who are either opinionless and uninterested or significantly influenced by the Cartesian worldview, (“cogito, ergo sum” = “I think, therefore I am”)”. “Her credo is ‘Percipio Ergo Sum, (“I perceive, therefore I am”), because she sees herself as part of a whole and defines herself through interaction. The attitude of both protagonists can definitely be understood as a critique of mankind in the age of the Anthropocene”.
The album opens with “She’s Awake”, which has a beautiful keyboard, ‘welcome to dawn’ sound, before conversations similar to Kate Bush’s “Waking the Witch”, in the background, regarding waking up are heard. Isgaard, whispers, “Darkness, memories, sleep, silence, endless, noise”. Then beautiful piano takes the front stage, before bass, guitars and drums are added. A rhythm builds, similar to all your favorite prog from Genesis to Marillion, to the present day. The piano is regal, and inspired. Jens Lueck sings, “She’s awake”, with piano and guitar that takes you back to Wind and Wuthering or Trick of the Tail. Organs are added to expand the sound, giving it even more complexity. The guitar solos are reminiscent of Steve Hackett. This is a very memorable opener.
The door knocks and , “The Final Door”, begins with wonderful, bright piano. Jens Lueck sings, “One more step to take. Made to deal with the voice in your head. Step out into the open space…” As the story begins to unfold. Great guitar-work mingles well with that signature piano. The guitar solos are magnificent. The flute-work at the end is stunning.
“I’d Like to See”, is full of more background radio clips and sounds. Then, a long bowed, Pink Floyd opening. Nice. Jens Lueck sings, al-la Roger Waters, or maybe closer to Radiohead’s Thomas Edward Yorke on “Creep”, “Burned my words, burn my thoughts. Flee from all that hurts me at night. That keeps me from falling asleep. It creeps in so deep. I feel the rain on my skin. But waterdrops don’t wash away my pain”. Sad and slow.
Narration opens, “Ride on a Ray”, “Lift going down”. Then, birdsong and children playing. Soft electric guitar. Jens Lueck sings, “Fascinated by the beauty all around. Her soul is flying. Though her feet still touch the ground”. A beautiful, ‘eyes-wide-open’ soft song.
“Doubts”, opens with slow, dramatic, and quiet piano. Then, Lueck sings, “She roams around, so much to explore. But faces look at hollow screens. Are the pictures on your screens better than reality!?” The guitar solos on this track are awesome.
“Save Me from Dreaming”, is one of the most dramatic and powerful songs on the album. Jens Lueck and Isgaard, trade off vocal moments, and the guitar work is exhilarating.
“I’m Not Human”, is a sad song, with birdsong and rain, in the opening. Slow piano sets the mood. Isgaard sings, “I feel cold inside. Now I know what it means to be lonely”. Isgaard sounds very Kate Bush, all over this track. The instrumental section of the song, which begins midway, has excellent drumming and guitar – work.
“Hey You”, is not the cover of the song made famous on The Wall. No, it is something quiet different. It opens like a synthesizer instrumental, before Lueck adds vocals. “A single man can stop a tank!” Yes, remember Tiananmen Square? More of the story is unveiled. The orchestral support with strings is dramatic and absolutely fantastic at the end.
“Humble”, opens with soft rain and birdsong. Isgaard sings, “I’m on my own. I’m drenched to the bone. And somehow frighted. The fears transform me and I’m spellbound. I can understand now that I am free”.
“Entanglement Runs Off”, opens with more radio narration. Then laughing. Cool synthesizers generate goosebumps, and heightened interest. More wonderful keyboard reminders of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway style. The guitar-work is again, out of this world. This is the true closer, with the next song serving as a story, wrap-up.
“Inhale the Dark”, is the finale to the album. Lueck sings, with soft piano accompaniment. This absolutely sounds like something that would have fit well on Pink Floyd’s Final Cut. Isgaard and Lueck, trade off on vocals again, to close.
This is a wonderful progressive rock album and a great surprise to me. First time I head of the band. Makes me want to go back and get the first album, to hear the rest of the story. This was my first listen to Single Cell Organism, but it definitely will not be my last. Go get this album in good faith. It provides memories of the past, while creating a new story for your musical interest.
Track List:
- She’s Awake – 5:29
- The Final Door – 8:11
- I’d Like to See – 4:37
- Ride on a Ray – 4:38
- Doubts – 6:37
- Save Me from Dreaming – 6:02
- I’m Not Human – 6:49
- Hey You – 5:16
- Humble – 2:33
- Entanglement Runs Off – 8:50
- Inhale the Dark – 2:53
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https://singlecelledorganism.com/
https://singlecelledorganism.bandcamp.com/album/splinter-in-the-eye