In March, amidst battling a chest infection, the author embarked on an extensive exploration of Maher Shalal Hash Baz's discography, captivated by Tori Kudo's intricate musical maneuvers. Abandoning plans to focus on side quests, they delved deeply into the main catalog, with brief detours into pottery. This journey led them to repeatedly listen to a 54-second track titled 'King Of The North,' sparking curiosity about its biblical origins. This immersion rekindled their passion for sound exploration. Alongside this deep dive, they also explored other artists like Jon Collin and DD Records, uncovering hidden gems in post-punk and gamelan music.

The month was marked by a renewed enthusiasm for music discovery, highlighted by an obsession with Maher Shalal Hash Baz's works. The author meticulously traced the lyrics of 'King Of The North' back to the Book of Daniel, reigniting their fervor for understanding the nuances of sound. Meanwhile, their living room became a sanctuary dominated by Tori Kudo’s music, interspersed with ventures into lo-fi Japanese post-punk and gamelan sounds. Despite these explorations, there was still time for new releases, predominantly featuring string instruments, reflecting a tense emotional state.

DD Records, a 1980s Japanese post-punk tape label, emerged as another significant discovery. Although most original tapes are now unattainable, much of the music has resurfaced on Bandcamp. Phantom Limb's compilation, Fossil Cocoon, and its follow-up brought attention to Koshiro Yoshimatsu's work. Kamada Tadashi, the label head, remains elusive, presumably having left the music scene for a conventional career. Notably, the album In The Fish stood out, despite not being featured on the compilation. The compilation itself offers a mix of odd experiments and industrial roughness, appealing through its mystery.

Among other notable discoveries were Emily Robb's live set, characterized by a robust guitar tone; Gamelan Salukat's innovative compositions that push traditional boundaries; Split Apex's blend of bass, vocals, electronics, and percussion offering new sonic landscapes; and Miaux's unconventional approach to organ music, capturing the essence of a space rather than just the instrument. Additionally, County Clare fiddler Ultan O’Brien's album introduced listeners to his unique alto fiddle tuning, enriched by field recordings and accordion accompaniments.

Valentina Magaletti and Fanny Chiarello's percussion and spoken word album provided alternative gym music for the experimental scene, while Gonchorova's Campanelli explored spiritual themes through Tibetan bowls and violin melodies. Irazoki's subtle psychedelic style and the Bill Orcutt Guitar Quartet's live recording rounded off a month filled with diverse musical discoveries.

This exploration through various genres and artists underscored the transformative power of sound. From rediscovering one's passion for music to appreciating the depth and diversity it offers, the journey illuminated how each piece contributes uniquely to the broader tapestry of auditory experiences. Whether through biblical references, obscure labels, or innovative compositions, the world of music continues to inspire and challenge its enthusiasts, proving that there is always something new to discover within its vast realms.