Not all music is constructed the same. It’s not all linear, and it’s not all structured to be intro, verse, chorus, etc. Frankly it can be anything you want it to be, hence the term art.
Enter Hot Spoon, Cold Mango.
An artistic visionary in their own right, Hot Spoon, Cold Mango has released their latest album, an 18-track theatrical opus titled Paws on Ears. The artist’s strides in experimental soundscapes come to a head in this project, honing in on their craft in the lesser known ‘Motion Vision’ genre (described as a journey through the fabric of existence itself, combining instrumentation and soundscape to create an ambient experience for the listener).
Raised in the Netherlands, the mysterious composer(s) known as Hot Spoon, Cold Mango has resonated with music making since childhood. They quote, “The sound of each song created a world that allowed me to understand how those around interacted with one another. There was an everlasting tone to the world. It would ring out… this has allowed me to build worlds starting with a tone.”
True to their words, Paws on Ears is a masterclass in world building, utilizing a multitude of orchestral instruments and ambients to create a cinematic experience for the listener. With extremely out there animal-based titles like “Drooping of Willow Trees Atop The Burrow of Rabbit,” “She Said It Was a Duck,” and “I Am Not Afraid Of You Penguins Anymore,” the collection of song titles alone undoubtedly intrigue. It is unclear if the improper grammar is purposeful or not, but either way- art.
The album begins with the dynamic track, “A Beckoning Plea Of A Call For Bears,” a welcoming song to dip the listener’s toe in the near-20 track voyage. Strong piano and brushing drums steer the opener, readying the listener to continue on the cinematic journey that lies ahead.
Another notable track, “First Dance of Eight Paws,” is a striking tune, utilizing orchestral instruments in an ever-soothing arrangement. This piece is a blazing continuation of the artist’s adamancy on visualization, as it is difficult to not let your mind wander to new places while listening.
Track nine, “Fox Betrothed The Cat,” is reminiscent of sweet dances in a ballroom, with its soft piano reaching new heights of inspirational melodies. This dramatic ballad whisks the listener away, oozing a delicateness incomparable to other tracks.
The aforementioned “She Said It Was A Duck” marks itself as the most unique track among the many, both in title and instrumentals. This song is much like living inside a video game, with its carefully placed digital sounds and jumping melodies.
The final track of the album, “Zoologist Leave For The Evening,” is a jazzy send-off to the listener’s past hour-and-a-half experience. This song is a soothing “see you later,” combining the instruments the artist used throughout the album to end on a tender note.
Paws on Ears comes as the fourth album Hot Spoon, Cold Mango has released since 2020. Its predecessors include Je ne parle pas français, My Teddy Bears Look At Me Funny, and The Statistician’s Melancholic Marching Band, all of which fall in the same unique Motion Vision genre that the artist does so well.
This album comes as no surprise as another dutifully profound project from Hot Spoon, Cold Mango, and serves as a reminder that music is not only auditory. As the artist says themself, “Our creative expressions will manifest across diverse mediums, serving as a testament to our shared experiences.”
