Music / new releases
Experimental ensemble breaks classical boundaries
Pulsion, an experimental composition evoking a Lynchian sense of dreamlike unease, is the latest work from composer and multi-instrumentalist Leeem.
The 40 minute piece, inspired by the director’s 1977 film Eraserhead, blends neo-classical foundations with progressive rock intensity and cinematic soundscape.
An extract performed by the Leeem Quartet, a clarinet ensemble grounded by double bass and augmented by electronic processing, can be seen in a live video released on June 23.
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Its convergence of raw acoustic instruments with pulsing electronic potency is described as ‘an ancient/contemporary ritual-based exploration on the edge of dysfunction’.
Leeem, the creative moniker of Liam O’Connell who formally fronted psych-rock project My Octopus Mind and plays double bass with Balkan outfit Troyka and Avon Concordia, said Pulsion combines his interests in contemporary chamber music, drone, post-rock, Balkan folk and electronic sound manipulation.
“Warped clarinet motifs emerge from deep double-bass resonance, gradually dissolving into clouds of distortion, mechanical textures and spectral electronics,” he elaborated.
“At times intimate and meditative, at others overwhelming and physical, the work transforms acoustic instruments into something closer to a noise ensemble than a traditional chamber group.”
The video release comes ahead of the ensemble’s performance in support at the album launch of Slate Trio, an instrumental project featuring members of the Brackish and the bands of Rachael Dadd and Nuala Honan.
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The gig takes place at Cafe Kino on June 25. Find more information at headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/cafe-kino/thu-25-jun-slate-trio-album-launch-with-leeem-quartet-154765#e154765
Main image: Leeem
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