William Basinski - Passing the Cup of Sorrows - Indies New Gamboge Vinyl LP | Pre-Order 23.10.26

In the realm of past-life regression hypnotherapy, there is a concept known as “Life Between Lives,” wherein a sacred exchange of energy occurs between two souls in the spirt world, helping a spirit fully understand and forgive a being who hurt them in a past life. This exchange – called “passing the cup of sorrows” – became the unexpected inspiration for William Basinski’s first new album in six years.

While sinking deeper into the daily abyss of our collective negativity bias, William Basinski stumbled upon a video describing the spiritual hypnotherapy exercise known as “passing the cup of sorrows.” Fixed on the glow of a screen that projected mounting anxiety and cynicism at a seemingly interminable pace, Basinski found the testimonials of this fascinating therapeutic practice to be profoundly moving. He sat at his piano, translating the transformation of those traumatic memories of past lives into cathartic tears of the present day.

Channeling the quiet curiosity and asymmetrical patterns of pioneering 20th Century composer, Morton Feldman, Passing the Cup of Sorrows is a single 40-minute piece that employs a solitary piano and subtle electronics to truly haunting effect. It recalls fragments of traumatic memories and projects them as fractals in a slow-moving soft focus that’s as eerie as it is enlightened.

Track Listing

1. Passing the Cup of Sorrows (37:46)

Specifications

• Artist: William Basinski
• Album: Passing the Cup of Sorrows
• Format: LP
• Edition: Indies New Gamboge Vinyl LP
• Label: TEMPORARY RESIDENCE
• Catalogue Number: TRR457LP-C1
• Barcode: 0656605445748
• Genre: Electronic / Ambient

Shipping

Please note: This is a pre-order item with a release date of 23.10.26. Orders containing pre-order items will be dispatched when all items are available. If you'd like in-stock items sooner, please place a separate order.