“What is it that you see when told stories that have no pictures?”
An interesting question posed by Stephen Meeker, the individual behind Hot Spoon, Cold Mango. The curiously-named project (which also includes Stephen’s lover) was conceived after the duo used a warm spoon, fresh from the dishwasher, to dive into a nice cold container of mango sorbet. We’re not sure we have an answer to the above query, but it’s an exercise in existentialism to even attempt to come up with one.
Communication with Meeker has been cryptic, but intriguing. His biographies use words that have been buried in thesauri. Questions are answered with diatribes that go in infinite directions… But it’s all a part of the mystique surrounding HSCM’s latest offering, Paws on Ears. Meeker operates behind a concept-turned-genre called “Motion Vision.” He’ll explain it below better than we ever could:
“Welcome to Motion Vision, a groundbreaking musical genre that invites listeners on a journey through the fabric of existence itself. Imagine stepping into a bustling cosmic gathering, where each voice represents a distinct facet of the universe, sharing its story in a harmonious cacophony.”
There’s way way (WAY) more to the concept of Motion Vision, but ultimately, Meeker has conglomerated a whimsical world of his own through these carefully-crafted instrumental compositions. The soundscapes on Paws on Ears sound like they could be the soundtrack to a forest, or, maybe a fae-infested meadow in some far-off mystical wonderland. They’re full of magical textures and airy synth-based clouds, but also sound rooted in the earth in an utterly organic way. This album is the sound fireflies hear at night, or perhaps what a deep sea creature might listen to as a lullaby. Think a new age version of Radical Face/Electric President with no lyrical presence, or a peer to David Wise’s now-revered soundtrack to the Donkey Kong Country games. Though it’s not a direct comparison sonically, I’d even put this in the same category as Mort Garson’s meditative Plantasia.
This is an eighteen song album. To Meeker’s credit (and quite possibly his chagrin), it’s nearly impossible to pick out singular highlights from Paws on Ears. The album’s tracks flow into each other flawlessly. In fact, mid-album, I found myself in an absolutely divine headspace, completely unaware of my surroundings or the passing of time. I will be putting this album on to sleep at night. That is an absolute compliment and I make no apologies.
Some highlights include the absolutely stellar horn-tinged “Grazing on Mushrooms and Sweet Grass of Morning Dew Meadows,” which rivals the aforementioned David Wise’s “Aquatic Ambiance” in beauty. The rat-a-tat of jazz snare in “A Cows Stands Guard Protecting Their Llamas” peeks through the din with the absolute perfect level of percussive presence. Once it starts to simmer, the buzzing “Flower Picking Pink Elepppppphants” will tingle the life-withered serotonin receptors in your brain with it’s ASMR-level vibrations. I especially appreciated the slow burn vibe-out of album closer “Zoologist Leave For The Evening” – once this one kicked in, I snapped out of my daze and started to fully appreciate the journey I just went on with Meeker’s music.
Meeker, as evidenced through Motion Vision, has a true appreciation for non-traditional storytelling. In writing this review of his highly-conceptual work, I gained a new appreciation for what it means to inspire imagery without a narrative. This is an album you need to experience for yourself to truly appreciate, so grab a pair of headphones, close your eyes, and let Hot Spoon, Cold Mango take you on a journey through your own mind.
You can find Paws on Ears on most major streaming services – here’s a few links for Spotify and Apple Music respectively.