Langdon patients release therapeutic ambient album
We are proud to announce the release of Labyrinthe Des Esprits: The Cosmic Hunt - a new ambient album created by patients at Langdon Hospital, a medium secure forensic service in Dawlish, Devon.
Blending natural soundscapes, experimental music, and personal expression, The Cosmic Hunt challenges stigma and promotes wellbeing through therapeutic creativity within a secure clinical setting.
Under the guidance of Matt Smith, Musical Technical Instructor at Langdon, six patients recorded, edited, and produced the album as part of an innovative therapeutic music initiative.
The result is a rich, immersive journey featuring ambient compositions and field recordings from across Devon.
Highlights include the sounds of beehives, bells at Buckfast Abbey, and atmospheric recordings from Fernworthy Reservoir's ancient stone circles.
The album also features narration by Peter who has worked at Devon Partnership NHS Trust (DPT) for more than 50 years.
Langdon is home to DPT's secure services which support men in the South West who, as a consequence of their mental health needs, have had contact with the legal system. Langdon supports them with a safe and therapeutic environment to assist their recovery and rehabilitation.
Set within 100 acres of countryside, Langdon offers sweeping views, coastal scenes, and diverse wildlife-ideal for sensory exploration and creative reflection.
One patient involved in the project said: "It's important for people with mental health problems to be heard and recognised. I'd like others to know that people in secure services have potential-and that we get to do interesting things with our time."
All field recordings were captured during Ministry of Justice approved Section 17 leave, offering patients a unique chance to connect with the outside world and express themselves through sound.
The creative process also included deep listening sessions inspired by composer and electronic music pioneer Pauline Oliveros, encouraging mindfulness and emotional connection. Guest contributions from ambient artists Nick Lesja, Anthony Tang, and Ash Wednesday added further depth. The album cover was designed by renowned logo artist Christophe Szpajdel, known for work with Rihanna and Wu-Tang Clan.
Reflecting on the project, Matt said: I'm incredibly proud of what's been achieved and the interest we've received. I wanted to offer the participants a chance to be remembered as more than their index offences. They're people with stories, talents, and the right to engage in creative expression as part of their rehabilitation.
"Some participants heard certain sounds for the first time-or allowed themselves to really listen. One taught himself Italian and recorded the Lord's Prayer for the album; another, a skilled jazz musician, brought that influence into the mix. Peter's contributions and stories also brought a powerful sense of history and personality to the project."
The Cosmic Hunt forms part of Matt's PhD research, which exploring how sound and patient agency in forensic settings can support wellbeing, reduce sensory deprivation, and foster a sense of control over the environment.
The album has already received strong praise. The Wire magazine published a full-page review in its April edition. Ambient music pioneer Kirsty Hawkshaw praised its therapeutic use of natural sound, while electronic innovator Robin Rimbaud (Scanner) described the album as:
A joy to behold looping ambience, echoing birdsong, intertwining synths, hypnotic rhythms, and cinematic soundscapes It breaks stigma and allows us to enter a mind space that feels optimistic, thoughtful, and enriching.
Released on the Spirit Duplicator label via Bandcamp, a share of album sales will support DPT's Open Up charity.