"The Acid Lands" is a captivating sonic journey released by Bill Laswell in collaboration with Iggy Pop and the Opening Performance Orchestra, paying tribute to the legendary William S. Burroughs. Recorded in late 2019 and early 2020, this album is a unique blend of free jazz, dub, and avant-garde elements, spanning 46 minutes of innovative and thought-provoking music.
The album features Iggy Pop as the narrator, lending his distinctive voice to the project, which incorporates fragments from Burroughs' seminal works "The Western Lands" and "Junkie." The studio version of "The Acid Lands" is a celebration of Burroughs' literary genius, with Iggy Pop's husky vocals weaving seamlessly with the electronic textures and jazz improvisations provided by the Opening Performance Orchestra and Bill Laswell.
The tracklist includes "The Acid Lands," "The Acid Lands - Ambient Mix-Translation," and "Naming the Seven Souls - Mix-Translation," each offering a unique sonic experience. The album's dark ambient and spoken word elements create an immersive atmosphere, making it a standout release in the experimental music genre. With contributions from Martina Potucková on theremin and Alfred Sabela on Moog and sine wave generator, "The Acid Lands" is a testament to the collaborative spirit and innovative approach of all involved. Released on the esteemed Sub Rosa label, this album is a bold and uncompromising exploration of sound and language.