In “The Rubaiyat Medley,” avant-pop artist Mary Ocher melds textures and sounds to create an otherworldly auditory experience. This track features processed, reverbed vocals and improvisatory violin elements that weave an eerie texture, with ambient hair-like sounds providing a unique background layer. The result is a hauntingly beautiful piece that defies conventional musical boundaries.
This medley is a rework of three compositions by harpist Dorothy Ashby, based on the legendary Rubaiyat of 12th-century Persian poet Omar Khyyam. Ocher infuses her distinctive style into these pieces, transforming them into a multi-chapter adventure that rewards deeper exploration. The accompanying music video, inspired by Sergei Parajanov’s 1969 classic “The Color of Pomegranates,” adds a visual dimension to the track’s avant-pop aesthetic.
Mary Ocher’s upcoming album, Your Guide to Revolution, is set to release on July 19 (North America/Worldwide) and June 19 (EU) via the Underground Institute. Born in Moscow and raised in Tel Aviv during the Gulf War, Ocher brings a rich, politically charged perspective to her work, addressing themes of war, authoritarianism, and nationalism. Known for her thought-provoking and genre-defying music, Ocher continues to push the boundaries of pop and avant-garde music with her latest album, following last year’s Approaching Singularity: Music for The End of Time.