Unusual Cosmic Process: The Architects of Progressive Psychedelia

Unusual Cosmic Process is an English electronic music project known for its expansive, genre-blending soundscapes. The artist, a studio collective led by producer and multi-instrumentalist Arlo Vance, achieved notable success with their 2018 debut album 'Celestial Drift', which charted in several European territories and solidified their cult following.

Early career

Arlo Vance formed the core of Unusual Cosmic Process in Brighton, England in 2012, initially as a solo studio endeavor. His early work, self-released on digital platforms, fused elements of psychedelic rock, ambient, and early 90s intelligent dance music, attracting the attention of the independent label Sublunar Sounds.

Breakthrough

The project's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the album 'Celestial Drift'. Released on Sublunar Sounds, the LP debuted at number 14 on the UK Independent Album Breakers Chart and saw strong streaming numbers across Europe, leading to a silver certification in the UK for track-equivalent sales. This success was fueled by extensive online radio play and a growing reputation for immersive live performances.

Key tracks

Nebula Variations — This 2016 single was the first Unusual Cosmic Process track signed to Sublunar Sounds and defined their early sound.

Celestial Drift — The title track from their breakthrough album became a staple on alternative electronic radio shows worldwide.

Chrono-Synclastic — Featuring guest vocals from Lia Forrest, this 2020 single marked a move towards more structured songwriting within their cosmic aesthetic.

Infinity Loop — A later career highlight, this track's intricate production earned a nomination for Best Studio Production at the 2022 UK Electronic Music Awards.

Following 'Celestial Drift', Unusual Cosmic Process expanded into collaborative work and more ambitious productions. Their 2021 follow-up, 'The Observer Effect', involved sessions with noted session drummer Matt Johnson and featured a more pronounced rhythmic drive. The collective has since remixed tracks for artists like Four Tet, sharing a fondness for textured, evolving electronic compositions. Another stylistic peer is The Orb, whose pioneering ambient dub influences are clear in the Process's sprawling tracks. Listeners also find common ground with the work of Bonobo, particularly in the fusion of organic instrumentation with electronic beats. The psychedelic rock undertones connect them to fellow English explorers The Soft Moon, though with a less abrasive approach.

The music of Unusual Cosmic Process maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on specialist electronic and independent music radio stations. Their albums and singles are frequently featured in the playlists of online radio streams dedicated to progressive electronica and psychedelic rock fusion, ensuring their complex sound reaches a global audience of dedicated listeners.

You can discover the expansive progressive psychedelia of Unusual Cosmic Process by tuning into the radio stations featured on onairium.com, where their genre-defying tracks are regularly in rotation.