Whatever the destinations, the path goes through a multifaceted semi-percussive transformation, weaving melodic fragment elements and cycling through the continuum.
Shifting patterns formed by repetition
On this split release (two artists one CD or cassette, your choice, all in a distinctive handmade one-of-a-kind decorative package design) each of the twin tracks is a single flowing composition, each containing shifting patterns formed by repetition, there are only disputable clues as to the story for the journeys. Whatever the destinations, the path goes through a multifaceted semi-percussive transformation, weaving melodic fragment elements and cycling through the continuum. The word is that “Siphonophore” is Inspired by a wide array of influences, from the ethereal beauty of nature, hazy soundscapes, marimba-fused waltzes through to pulsating micro-patterns of percussion, intricate melodies and meticulously crafted textures, all coated in Robin Saville’s gorgeous, organic field recordings. A synthesis of essence to help put human minds at ease. Renowned electronic musician and one half of the critically-acclaimed duo Isan, Saville, with this moment, unveils his latest musical opus on the Handstitched* label.
Robin Saville – “Siphonophore” (22:02) — A siphonophore is a floating free roaming sea creature that can emit colored light to attract their prey. This zooid is a complex aggregate made of at least three polymorphic elements forming a single colony. To me these creatures look like some kind of a deep sea jellyfish. What I hear here is a euphoric sound, melodic tinklings combined with terrestrial bird languages, keyboards that are always visiting changes, new patterns evolve and disappear, repeating phrases are constantly transforming. I think of a live performance with hesitations and occasional crowding which gives a distinct atmosphere. At times there are recordings of a human voice perhaps explaining and reporting something, within and upon elements of a melody that almost forms, without becoming a complete melody. Now I hear a bass and some bell sounds, a gentle and ambient marimba emerges from time to time through the layers of hesitant repetition, and the birds are back from time to time.
Robin Saville has been releasing music on his own and in partnership with Antony Ryan (as Isan) since the last century. He lives in coastal Suffolk and when he’s not making music or selling fruit and vegetables for a living he’s walking the paths, lanes and fields of his home county, receiving inspiration and succor from the natural world.
The instruments seem to vary, the melodic flow evolves into a more percussive construction, always played with perfection. Now there is a beat. If played consecutively, the transition from one track to the next is not obvious, the best clue is an emerging pulse, the repetition becomes an automated beat in places. It sounds like the sampled sources are instrumental instead of vaguely textural. Now I hear someone playing a wooden guitar with steel strings, finger picking and weaving through the electronic elements and pulses, sometimes with a wonderful cello. What I love about the track is that there are plenty of science fiction electronica moments creating huge chambers and elaborate living soundscapes, some wind and the pulse, now and then the strings take over and the guitar is more absent. With the beat the journey changes, speed picks up and there is a dance to the step, until the beats of the journey fade. The track that I have just described is the second half of this split release, by The Leaf Library and titled “Versatile Clouds” (22:00).
The Leaf Library has long been celebrated for their unique blend of experimental drone-pop and “Versatile Clouds” is a testament and progression towards the band’s unwavering commitment to their signature sound. Drawing inspiration from a raw krautrock [inspired] sound and the myriad of emotions it evokes, “Versatile Clouds” is a vivid reminder of the band’s musical growth and evolution.
“Versatile Clouds” was recorded at home and at the band’s Drone Lodge studio whilst working on their next album. An organ-led, space-folk/krautrock instrumental, it features contributions from friends Rob Smoughton (Black Peaches/Hot Chip) on acoustic guitar and Hannah Reeves on cello.
The Leaf Library are a drone pop band from North London and beyond, formed around the core group of singer Kate Gibson, former Saloon guitarist Matt Ashton, guitarist SJ Nelson, drummer Lewis Young and bass player Gareth Jones. They have released three studio albums – Daylight Versions (2015), About Minerals (2019) and The World Is A Bell (2019) – as well as rarities compilation Library Music: Volume One (2022) plus a number of electronic and experimental albums and EPs, remix compilations and long form tracks. They have also released five Monument CDRs; an on-going series of experimental solo and side projects on their Objects Forever imprint. The band have collaborated with musicians as diverse as Alasdair MacLean of The Clientele, singer Ed Dowie, noise group Far Rainbow and string collective Iskra Strings, as well as remixing everyone from Bryde to Bilge Pump. They have provided music for a number of exhibitions, films and performances and a collaborative electronic album with Japanese artist Teruyuki Kurihara was released in 2022 on the Mille Plateaux label. The band is currently working on a new studio album.
Siphonophore / Versatile Clouds is available on Handstitched*. [Bandcamp]
