It's 2025 and here we have Cosmic Lark by Lyrella. A fresh, creative collaboration between Tony Lowe and Cheryl Stringall (both of ESP Project). Produced by Tony, mastered by Barry Gardner and with the artwork by Cheryl, there's magic in the air. Eight instrumental tracks are on offer here, so let's get into it. Album opener, Rhythm And Muse slowly manifests with the sound of rain, lashing down on some far away land. Before long we can start to see the sun on the horizon and we're off. As the music builds and builds, we're projected high into the sky on a musical zeppelin. Electronic vocalisations mix with vibrant percussion, mysterious pipes and new world keys, creating this cinematic vision - a fantastic way to kick things off. Golden Threads continues the adventure, leading the listener through market stalls in a far away land. You can almost smell and taste the rich fruits and exotic spices, as the music guides us through, picking up pace for the latter half. So far, so good. My understanding is that this is a stand alone project, but it is certainly the album I was hoping they would make. Next up, it's the longest song on offer, Caves Of Silver. Coming in at just under the nine minute mark, it shimmers and shakes, taking us into an Aladdin's cave of sound. Ice cold synths pierce through the steamy rhythmic tapestry. My favourite song on the album at the time of writing. I love a good instrumental track and this album has eight of them. Each has its own little piece of artwork to accompany it, enhancing the album's charm. Part of the description that comes with this release states that much of the music is improvised, which makes it all the more impressive. The psychedelic, Finding Deeper Levels, feels a little more moodier than the music before it. The bluesyness of it that runs within really does makes sense when realising the improvised nature of the project. The shortest song on the album is In The Crystal Cathedral and it's certainly a highlight for me. The opening of the song sounds like it could have come straight out of an 80's synth pop track. The guitar work is especially great here - who needs a vocalist? Then with Spirit Horse following right behind, we suddenly shoot up into the atmosphere. The keyboards sounding as if they've come directly out of some alien spacecraft. Science fiction funk. Waking To The Cosmic Lark has this atmospheric opening to it, like a musical portal unfolding right in front of you. Wonderful stuff. Synth strings and tight drums do the talking here. Finally, Safe Havens wraps up our adventure. Coming in at just under the eight minute mark, it has time to breath and explore its musical identity. Starting with a drum and bass shuffle, it snakes and winds along its own unique musical coil. Jazzy, dreamy, spacey. It closes the album as it started, making you feel like you've been on holiday without even leaving your house. Splendid! What a fascinating release. It's full of exotic and mysterious energy, layered with enough sun-baked rhythms and cool guitar/keyboard sprinkles to make you feel like you've discovered the eighth wonder of the world. The best thing I have heard from the Tony Lowe and Co. camp thus far. Long may their creative output continue. ***** Rickalonius Monk Where to buy? |
