6 hours of psychedelic music

When I first signed up for 6 hours of psychedelia, I was a little intimidated. I have never done anything of this sort. On the other hand, what better way to spend the night for a night owl? Hence, I started at precisely 10 PM, sitting in front of a haphazardly placed pile of books on my study table.

HOUR 1

The first track is called "Dawna", which is from Morphine's album Cure for Pain. The song starts with a pleasantly low saxophone note, and after a while I hear a voice that literally says, "I hear a voice." Thankfully, I instantly take a liking to the song. After listening to a few more songs from the album, I can't believe myself. How come I have not heard any of these before? I repeat the song "In Spite of Me" a few times, downright mesmerised by the mellow voice of Mark Sandman.

HOUR 2

It's Tame Impala hour, and I am listening to "It's Not Meant To Be" while studying Biology. I am not one of those people to usually listen to music while studying, but the music doesn't hamper me much, and I have started liking the experience. I fall in love with a particular chorus from "Desire Be Desire Go". It says, "Back and forth; what's it for; I don't know." Deep.

HOUR 3

I study as Pink Floyd plays. Mom comes to check up on me, ensuring that I am actually studying and not texting on my phone. At this point, I must say I am utterly in love with psychedelic music. I almost feel transported to another dimension. Like my life finally has a meaning. I feel like I am privy of a Great Secret.

HOUR 4

Pink Floyd is still playing. Never before I knew that it was possible to feel physical pain in your ears. I make myself some coffee as I internally try to reel away from the dull pain. But I have to keep listening. I text my friends, hoping it will keep me distracted.

HOUR 5

Texting my friends has actually been a good distraction. I am listening to the album I'm in Your Mind Fuzz by King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and I am thankful that my ears haven't started bleeding already. The songs are honestly not as weird as the band's name. I put "Satan Speeds Up" on repeat. Despite the caffeine running though my system, my eyes have started to close in on themselves. What sorcery is this?

HOUR 6

The sky is midnight blue, and as Black Market Karma plays, I feel a sudden rush of unnamed emotions throughout me. The chilly breeze blows through the window, merciless to my already numb ears. All the lights in my neighbourhood are out except mine, making me feel strangely rebellious and unvanquished. Suddenly, I don't feel sleepy anymore. Is this what it feels like to be awake and alive?

Zarin Rayhana likes to spend her time by pondering over alternative theories about the universe instead of studying for school. Send her your theories at ericaavianazarin@gmail.com