Recommended Tracks: “FLAMMA OMNIA PURIFICAT…”, “THE BALLAD OF SAINT APOLLONIA”, “THE BALLAD OF SAINT APOLLONIA”, “…ET OMNES INFIRMITATIS FORMAS ARESCIT”
Artists You May Like: Have A Nice Life, Ethel Cain, Grouper
ilytumi is back after 2 years with a record that highlights rebellion in its highest form.
Known for their experimental and diverse sound, indie producer and composer ilytumi (pronounced “I love you, Tumi”) proves that genre is merely a label, not a definitive limit on artistic creativity.
Hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, ilytumi’s passion for music through ambient storytelling shines through their fearless decision-making in every project. From their debut project MOTHER, which introduced us to an ongoing era of personal metamorphosis, to this new release APOLLONIA, which pays homage to a virgin martyr who was crucified for her views towards religious faith, ilytumi has taken us on a journey of growth and introspection.
On APOLLONIA, ilytumi delves into the intricacy of Saint Apollonia’s tragedy with a 16-track record through themes of pain, existentialism, and perceptual detachment.
As you press play, the first track “FLAMMA OMNIA PURIFICAT…” begins. Composed of a tranquil 2-minute melody, distant birdsong eases listeners into a fragile stillness. In contrast, the words “FLAMMA OMNIA PURIFICAT” is Latin for “the flame purifies all things.” This introduces an ominous undertone, creating a clever juxtaposition of Saint Apollonia’s fate being a rebellious woman who remained loyal to her beliefs. “FLAMMA OMNIA PURIFICAT…” sets the tone, helping to unravel the deepest parts of oneself and find comfort in the unknown.
18 minutes into the album brings us to the title track: “THE BALLAD OF SAINT APOLLONIA.” Also the longest song on the record, this track is an ode to the martyr herself. Throughout Apollonia’s life, she was a local activist, showcasing the unfamiliar characteristics of a nontraditional Christian despite her devotional views of Christianity as a kid. In lieu of her backstory, Saint Apollonia’s determined nature is sewn into every piano note and synthesizer signal. Listeners are drawn into her universe in this haunting yet captivating track.
Almost like Apollonia’s spirit telling her story, every moment of the emotive ballad feels like another chapter of her life that has been revealed. Towards the end of “THE BALLAD OF SAINT APOLLONIA.” rain can be heard as it fades into “River of Blood.” This slow transition can be seen as the start of Apollonia’s rebirth; one in which she’s hoping to exist in a realm where freedom of expression is normalized.
Notably, the album concludes with “…ET OMNES INFIRMITATIS FORMAS ARESCIT.”, a 2-minute finale echoing the introductory track “FLAMMA OMNIA PURIFICAT.” Both phrases collide, creating the entire Latin phrase “the flame purifies all things and withers all forms of infirmity.” By all means, the flowing steadiness of “…ET OMNES INFIRMITATIS FORMAS ARESCIT” with persistent birdsong mirrors the precautionary calmness of the inevitable ending of Saint Apollonia’s life.
Despite enduring cruelty from her counterparts, Saint Apollonia is widely known today as a patron saint, chosen as a guardian in Catholicism for those with dental issues. Her honorary prayer for healing goes as follows:
“O Glorious Apollonia, patron saint of dentistry and refuge to all those suffering from diseases of the teeth, I consecrate myself to thee, beseeching thee to number me among thy clients. Assist me by your intercession with God in my daily work and intercede with Him to obtain for me a happy death. Pray that my heart like thine may be inflamed with the love of Jesus and Mary, through Christ our Lord. Amen. O My God, bring me safe through temptation and strengthen me as thou didst our own patron Apollonia, through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
In essence, APOLLONIA serves as a grandiose eulogy to a fearless woman who sacrificed her body by standing up for something she believed in.
No matter the level of pain, APOLLONIA endures as a testament to ilytumi’s unwavering production and as a serene sanctuary for those who find solace in its fragile calm.
Keep up with ilytumi : Facebook // Soundcloud // Youtube // Audiomack // Spotify
