Mantaray's ambient classic 'Numinous Island' to be re-released on vinyl

Berlin-based record label, Transmigration, has rehashed an almost forgotten gem from the 90s with the re-release of Mantaray aka Susumu Yokota and Ray Castle's ‘Numinous Island’.

Originally released in 1995 on seminal American ambient label, Silent, the album is the result of a live jam session between the two artists. Label founder David Fogarty has personally edited the vinyl edition for hi-fidelity playback, respectfully maintaining the original sequencing and progression of the CD release.

‘Numinous Island’ is a “long-form audio travelogue” that immerses listeners in a unique, ethereal realm. Yokota's remarkable sound palette and Castle's gift for storytelling. The result is something similar to the KLF's "Chill Out," with refreshing twists and turns. Despite being a collaborative piece under the Mantaray pseudonym, the album serves as a fitting tribute to Yokota's legacy as a prominent figure in the ambient arena.

Across a sequence of eight tracks, the pair meander through a refined tapestry of caressing tones, subtle oriental elements and gentle flashes of cosmic musings. Seamed together, ‘Numinous Island’ is an otherworldly soundscape, tapping into celestial corners of a galaxy that is probably closer to us than we know.

Yokota’s legacy is that of a prolific Japanese producer with a career spanning two decades. While he was initially known for producing acid and deep house, with a nod to his ‘Acid Mount Fuji’, Susumu gained an international following for his ambient and experimental works in the 2000s with impeccable bodies of work like ‘Sakura’, ‘The Boy and The Tree’ and ‘Baroque’.He sadly left us in 2015 following a period of illness.

The other half of Mantaray, Ray Castle has been a prolific writer, curator, filmmaker, music producer, DJ, and astrologer. He was deeply involved in throwing parties in the early days of Goa’s golden era that blossomed from the mid-80s into the late 90s.

The label responsible for the re-release, Transmigration is known for unearthing and breathing new life into obscure psychedelic electronic music, from ambient and experimental records to dance floor-focused house and techno.

Mantaray (Susumu Yokota and Ray Castle) ‘Numinous Island’ will be released soon on 12” vinyl. You can pre-order your copy here.

Arun Ramanathan is Mixmag Asia’s Director. Follow him on Instagram.