God’s Fool, to be released 2 October 2023, is both a tribute and alternative soundtrack to the classic 1979 film, Stalker. Containing eighteen pieces by sixteen artists – a combination of existing SBC artists and some significant new additions – God’s Fool comprises almost three hours of music, combining ambient, drone and left-field instrumental music.
Andrei Tarkovsky was probably the most important film director in the history of Russian cinema, an auteur whose influence still resonates now, almost 40 years after his death. Probably best known for Solaris (1972), his work is famed for poetic metaphor, depictions of nature, a leisurely pace, long takes and a dream-like aesthetic.
Stalker (1979) exhibits all of these, and much more besides. When you inhabit the world of ambient and experimental music, as we do, you see a number of recurring themes in artists’ work: hauntology, Soviet iconography, brutalism, folk horror – and you will find all of these in Stalker.
If you have seen Stalker, you will be aware of its excellent soundtrack by Russian electronic musician and frequent Tarkovsky collaborator, Eduard Artemyev. It really doesn’t need another soundtrack, but because of its overlap with the themes described above we felt it would be an interesting experiment to invite artists to interpret the film; this provides a challenge for the artists, and we hoped might introduce a new audience to this remarkable film.
God’s Fool will be available as a digital download, and on three glass-mastered CDs, presented in a gatefold digipak with artwork and photography by the Glove of Bones.
Purchase also includes access to the Soundtrack Edit: all tracks segued and synced to accompany the film, so you can play the soundtrack alongside the film.
Gods fool features several SubCastCo artists including Whettman Chelmets, The German Ocean, Greg Nieuwsma, Colonial Skyway along side some more than welcome newcomers.
Artwork, photography and layout by the Glove of Bones.
Final digital and CD masters by Rob Mellor.
Our thanks to all the artists, Adam and James at Cram Duplication and the people of Mosfilm.
Monkey is waiting……
Submarine Broadcasting Company 