Vancouver-based Laucan makes a captivating entrance onto the Astral Black stage with his inaugural LP, 'LORCAN.' Partnering with the accomplished producer Samuel Organ, renowned for his recent collaborations with musical luminaries like Caroline Polachek, Shygirl, Sega Bodega, and others, the album is a sonic journey through the realms of ethereal folk and avant-garde electronica.
Drawing inspiration from his role as the Chief practitioner at Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley Sonic Research Centre (NVSRC), Organ’s specialization in ethnosonic-archaeology is evident throughout the LP, as he skillfully documents and restores songwriter and research partner Laucan’s obscure and beautiful audio artifacts, transforming them into the primary source material for the album's mesmerizing productions.
The opening track, 'Aignish On The Machiar,' perfectly exemplifies their unique approach. Laucan's vocals harmonise seamlessly with traditional material recovered on a 1973 NVSRC trip to the Inner Hebrides, showcasing the project's intricate blend of past and present.
The album weaves through a diverse tapestry of musical moments, from 'Keeping My Head Down,' where Laucan's vocals shine amidst Samuel Organ's masterful world-building, to the sun-soaked 4x4 track 'The Chalk,' which draws inspiration from both the worlds of traditional folk and modern electronic music.
In tracks like 'Future Musings' and 'Cyren,' Samuel Organ takes the reins with his electronic-infused production, pushing the limits of NVSRC’s facilities and offering listeners a glimpse into the folk-infused avant-garde electro that defines his distinctive style.
