About Hypnagogue

Hypnagogue reviews are based on the premise that ambient and electronic music are evocative media designed to create a space where none exists, to deliver an experience beyond musicality. The reviews attempt to look through the sound to the sensations, images and emotions that arise, along with an overall impression of the music.

Perhaps most importantly, these are just one listener’s reviews. One opinion. There’s no presumption of technical understanding of the artform or an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of the genre. It’s all about what the music does. Prior to writing a review, a CD is typically played for several days until the emotive thread that will form the basis of the review is found.

Hypnagogue reviews cover the spectrum of electronic music, from drifting ambient to experimental to dance-club grooves.

Because music is music.

The Hypnagogue Himself is John Shanahan, a writer and long-time ambient/electronic music lover living as quietly as possible in a small town south of Boston, Massachusetts.

The artists review the reviewer…

“If any of the major [magazines] were around today that used to cover this music you would be front and center in that world”—Steve Roach

“…rarely does the reviewer hit the nail on the head like you did.  You really got what I was aiming for with this project—hands down.”—Ken Elkinson

“Once again you’ve understood very well what I am trying to convey with my music and you’ve put that into words in a very evocative yet precise way.”—Pascal Savy

“It’s very gratifying to know that someone listened so closely and ‘got’ what you put so much effort into saying.”—Steve Brand

Artists: Hypnagogue Reviews currently averages 1,600 pages views per month. In 2011 there were a total of 19,300 visits.