Music Review: Moon Goose - La Nuit (2022, fruits de mer records/inflatable tarmac records)

A Mesmerizing Journey into the Depths of "La Nuit" by Moon Goose

Moon Goose, the enigmatic musical project known for their unique blend of psychedelic and experimental sounds, has once again pushed the boundaries of sonic exploration with their latest album, "La Nuit." Released in October 2022, this ethereal masterpiece takes listeners on an otherworldly journey through the depths of the night.

From the opening track, "Electrolene," it becomes clear that Moon Goose has crafted an album that immerses the audience in a sonic landscape teeming with intrigue and mystery. The haunting melodies and atmospheric textures create a sense of introspection and introspective reflection, as if gazing into the starlit sky on a moonless night.

"La Nuit" maintains a consistent and captivating tone throughout its duration, seamlessly blending elements of psychedelic rock, krautrock, and ambient music. The tracks ebb and flow, building layers of sonic intricacies that continually evolve and surprise the listener. The instrumentation is both hypnotic and experimental, with each instrument contributing to the overall dreamlike atmosphere.

One standout track is "Lemon Cursed (Somnambulism)," a mesmerizing journey that combines pulsating rhythms with ethereal synthesizers and echoing guitar riffs. The composition expertly balances intensity and tranquility, creating a sonic experience that is simultaneously immersive and transcendent. The subtle shifts in dynamics and the interplay between the instruments keep the listener engaged from start to finish.

Moon Goose's penchant for creating atmospheric soundscapes is further highlighted in tracks like "Urban Farmhand" and "Tweakshy." These pieces showcase the band's ability to evoke vivid imagery through their music, painting a sonic canvas that is both introspective and deeply emotive.

"La Nuit" is an album that rewards repeated listens, as its intricacies and nuances unfold with each subsequent playthrough. Moon Goose's commitment to pushing the boundaries of their genre is evident throughout the album, as they seamlessly blend elements of different musical styles into a cohesive and captivating whole.

In conclusion, "La Nuit" is a stunning achievement by Moon Goose, showcasing their mastery of crafting atmospheric and mesmerizing soundscapes. This album serves as a testament to their ability to transport listeners to a realm of sonic exploration and introspection. "La Nuit" is a must-listen for fans of psychedelic and experimental music, as it stands as a shining example of Moon Goose's unique artistry and musical vision. 

You can find this album on the band's website: https://moongoosecult.bandcamp.com/

The Symbolic Significance of the Goose in Egyptian Mythology

In the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian mythology, the goose emerges as a symbol of profound significance. Revered for its association with fertility, loyalty, and protection, the goose played a prominent role in the religious and cultural beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. This article explores the symbolic meaning and representations of the goose in Egyptian mythology, shedding light on its multifaceted role in their cosmology.

The Sacred Goose

In Egyptian mythology, the goose was closely linked to the celestial world. It was believed that the celestial bodies, particularly the stars, were manifestations of divine geese that guarded the skies. The goose was associated with the cosmic order and was believed to guide the souls of the deceased to the afterlife. In this context, the goose symbolized protection, guardianship, and the eternal cycle of life and death.

Nebu, the Celestial Goose

One of the most prominent figures associated with the goose in Egyptian mythology is Nebu, also known as the Great Honker. Nebu was depicted as a goose-headed deity and was revered as the guardian of the underworld. According to ancient beliefs, Nebu would guide the souls of the deceased through the perilous journey of the afterlife, protecting them from malevolent forces and ensuring their safe passage.

Fertility and Motherhood

The goose was also closely associated with fertility and motherhood in Egyptian mythology. The ancient Egyptians observed the strong familial bonds and nurturing instincts of geese, and these qualities were attributed to the goddess Isis. Isis, often depicted with wings outstretched like a protective goose, was revered as the divine mother and the patroness of childbirth. Her nurturing and protective qualities made her an important figure in Egyptian mythology.

Additionally, the goose was associated with the concept of regeneration and rebirth. The annual migration of geese was seen as a metaphorical representation of the cyclical nature of life and the rejuvenation of the land. The fertility symbolism of the goose was further accentuated by its close connection to the Nile River, the life-giving force that sustained Egypt's agricultural prosperity.

Hieroglyphic Representations

The goose's symbolism extended to hieroglyphic representations, where it was used to convey various meanings. The image of a goose in hieroglyphs was often used to represent the soul or the concept of "ba" in Egyptian beliefs. The "ba" was an aspect of the individual that continued to exist after death and was associated with the journey to the afterlife. Thus, the presence of a goose hieroglyph in funerary inscriptions signified the soul's transition to the celestial realms.

The goose's symbolic presence in ancient Egyptian mythology offers valuable insights into the beliefs and cultural fabric of this civilization. As a revered creature associated with protection, fertility, and the afterlife, the goose played a significant role in religious rituals, cosmological beliefs, and artistic representations. Its multifaceted symbolism highlights the ancient Egyptians' profound reverence for nature and their intricate understanding of the interconnectedness between the physical and spiritual realms. The goose continues to serve as a potent symbol of the enduring legacy of this extraordinary civilization.

Unraveling Mysteries: The Discovery of a Goose Statue on Easter Island

 Easter Island, a remote and enigmatic island in the Pacific Ocean, has long captivated the world with its iconic stone statues known as moai. Recently, a remarkable discovery has added a new layer of intrigue to the island's history. Archaeologists have unearthed a statue of a goose, shedding light on the complex civilization that once thrived on Easter Island and offering fresh insights into its cultural practices and beliefs. This article explores the significance of this newfound goose statue and its implications for our understanding of Easter Island's past.

The discovery of the goose statue on Easter Island has taken the archaeological community by storm. Carved from volcanic stone, the statue stands at an impressive height of six feet. The attention to detail and craftsmanship displayed in its creation attest to the advanced sculpting skills of the island's ancient inhabitants. The goose statue is a remarkable departure from the iconic moai, as it represents an entirely different aspect of Easter Island's cultural heritage.

The presence of a goose statue on Easter Island challenges the prevailing notion that the island's ancient civilization was solely focused on the production of moai. It suggests a more diverse and complex society that engaged in a range of artistic and cultural practices. The goose, known for its associations with fertility, protection, and guidance, likely held profound symbolic significance for the island's inhabitants.

The goose statue broadens the narrative surrounding Easter Island's history, offering a more nuanced understanding of the island's cultural and spiritual practices. It hints at the possibility of an intricate belief system that incorporated a diverse pantheon of deities and sacred creatures. The goose may have represented a specific deity or played a crucial role in ceremonial rituals and traditions, which were previously unrecognized or overshadowed by the moai.

The discovery of the goose statue invites speculation about possible connections between Easter Island and other Polynesian cultures. Geese held significant symbolic importance in various Polynesian societies, and the presence of a goose statue on Easter Island raises questions about cultural exchanges and influences. It opens up avenues for exploring the island's connections with neighboring islands and the broader Polynesian world.

The goose statue adds depth and richness to our understanding of Easter Island's past, allowing us to view the island's history through a wider lens. It underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in archaeological research and the need to continuously reevaluate existing narratives. The newfound statue emphasizes the need for further excavations and studies to piece together the island's complex cultural tapestry.

The discovery of a goose statue on Easter Island marks a significant milestone in the ongoing exploration of this remote and intriguing island. It challenges preconceived notions and expands our understanding of the island's ancient civilization, providing valuable insights into its cultural practices and beliefs. As archaeologists delve deeper into this newfound discovery, the goose statue promises to unlock further mysteries and unravel the fascinating story of Easter Island's past.

Gåsa som reddet en landsby, a Norwegian tale (17th Cent.)

This fairy tale is part of a series of Norwegian tales from the 17th Century. The author is unknown mostly because stories were spread orally at the time. Here is a bit of the original tale and my crude translation below.

"Freya plasserte gåsen på en pidestall midt i torget, og mens landsbybeboerne så med forventning, spredte gåsen ut vingene sine og utstøtte en melodiøs klang. Øyeblikkelig strålte en magisk varme ut fra fjærene dens og spredte seg gjennom hele landsbyen. Den frosne landskapet begynte å tine, og isen smeltet bort, og avslørte grønne flekker med gress og blomstrende blomster."

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled amidst the snow-covered forests of Scandinavia, there lived a kind-hearted young girl named Freya. The village had been suffering from an unusually harsh winter, and the bitter cold had turned the once vibrant community into a desolate and frozen place. People huddled in their homes, desperate for warmth and hope.

One icy morning, as Freya ventured into the woods to gather firewood, she stumbled upon a peculiar sight. There, hidden beneath a frost-covered tree, was a beautiful golden goose with shimmering feathers that glowed with a warm, inviting light. Sensing the goose possessed something magical, Freya cautiously approached.

To her amazement, the goose spoke in a gentle, melodious voice. "Freya, I am a magical goose entrusted with the power to bring warmth and life. The village is in dire need of my help. Carry me to the heart of the village, and together, we shall thaw the frozen hearts and save our home."

Overwhelmed by the goose's words, Freya agreed without hesitation. She gently lifted the enchanted bird in her arms and hurried back to the village. Word spread quickly of the girl and the miraculous golden goose, and soon, a crowd had gathered in the village square.

Freya placed the goose on a pedestal in the center of the square, and as the villagers watched with anticipation, the goose spread its wings and let out a melodious cry. Instantly, a magical warmth emanated from its feathers, spreading throughout the village. The frozen landscape began to thaw, and the ice melted away, revealing green patches of grass and blooming flowers.

But the goose's magic didn't stop there. As its warm glow encompassed the village, the hearts of the villagers began to thaw as well. Friendships were rekindled, and love and laughter filled the once somber streets. The people danced and celebrated, grateful for the magic that had saved them from the grips of the freezing winter.

From that day forward, the village held an annual festival to honor the magical goose and its brave companion, Freya. The festival served as a reminder of the power of kindness, compassion, and the belief in magic that resides within each person's heart.

As for Freya, she was forever cherished by the villagers for her selflessness and bravery. The golden goose, grateful for her aid, stayed with her as a loyal companion, spreading warmth and happiness wherever they went.

And so, the village and its people thrived, forever grateful to the magic goose and the courageous young girl who had brought them back from the brink of freezing despair. Their tale became a legend, passed down through generations, reminding all who heard it of the enduring power of love, hope, and the magic that resides within even the most unexpected of creatures.