When does noise become music? At what point do we start slapping labels on things? “This goes under that banner….this goes there…this is ‘commercial’….this is the avant garde” We use labels as a descriptive force. Something to help guide others expectations of what they are about to hear but what if the music comes from the Earth itself? Sounds created by the breath and intelligence of this rock we call home? This is not something we can define. We may use terms like ‘field recordings’ but even that can sound sterile and imply a more intellectual approach than an emotional one.
Lichon (Anisa Arslanagic and Alex H Duncan) answer these questions on their sublime debut EP It’s Always About Us. Over its three tracks, it utilises Duncan’s “plant music” (he has been recording and highlighting the sounds of fungi, plants, lichen for a number of years now) and uses their patterns as a framework throughout which Arslanagic can improvise her violin and viola playing. Adding in a few more textures such as guitar and synthesizers and what emerges is a deeply meditative release that pulses and rolls, allowing enough space for a listener’s imagination to run wild. The tracks are highly emotive with the rolling sea acting as both soother of the mind and reminder that nature will always win. A duality that reminds one of the writings of Derek Jarman.
The recordings for It’s Always About Us took place around Blackchurch Rock which is a secluded cove near Hartland (North Devon) and it is them that remain the beating heart of the three songs. This is an EP built on the interplay between humans and nature. It is never a battle between the two elements, instead feeling like a conversation being had between Lichon and Blackchurch. A lament, a harmony, an exchange of ideas and an opening up of the hearts which leads to connection and understanding.
A beautiful EP and the start of something quite special for Lichon who on this evidence are a duo very much worth following.
Lichon is Alex H Duncan & Anisa Arslanagic
Alex H Duncan – guitar, synthesisers
Anisa Arslanagic – violin, viola
With plants, fungi, lichen, pebbles and the sea
Lichon: Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Review by Simon Tucker
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