Here’s the latest release from the ever-resourceful Lewes label Difficult Art and Music, the first in a series of what they describe as a deep dive into “the weirder side of more ‘traditional’ forms of composition”. For “traditional forms’” you can assume this means songs and by “the weirder side” it’s safe to say the hooks might not be obvious but unexpected leftfield fun will still be waiting.
That’s definitely what’s delivered in this inaugural album of the series ‘Split/Lop‘, a shared effort (four tracks apiece) from two off-script musicians Column of Trout and Partager. Ben Wiggs a.k.a the doom metal soundscaper One Eyed Ancestor and now appearing as Column Of Trout is first up on this split release. His contribution begins with Buddy, a ballad that seems to tremble with uneasiness. Set to twanging guitar shapes that pause then scurry, Column of Trout croons with a voice that would fit a Tinderstick’s scenario. The song feels on the edge. There’s mention of someone “stalking outside with an awesome look in her eyes” and the phrase “You’re losing it” repeats. Eventually the voice becomes a whisper while layers of melody well up over the narrator’s defensiveness.
Similar reverb-soaked guitar patterns thread through the more assertive Sailing The Mighty Swamps. This song sits somewhere between angular math-rock and slow core concentration. The beats are broken, the bass lines warmly harmonic and there are doom metal undertones as cymbals crash in unison with the shimmering end-notes. “ It’s so good to see you in your own way” Wiggs sings, his voice, both tender and exhausted, shaping this raw break up song.
Previous recordings as both One Eyed Ancestor and Kerchiefs have revealed Ben Wiggs auto-biographical slant to his music and his Column Of Trout’s contribution comes from a similar perspective. These four songs seem to pivot around change and its aftermath. Ear is upbeat, almost perky, major chords, chunky riff and an indie swing set in a gloopy, slacker murkiness. It’s intriguing and mysterious, though clear at critical points. “This is exactly where I want to be” sings Wiggs. Closing song Capsize takes a more sombre turn. “What’s the point in acquiescence /only makes it worse” is the opening line in this fragile, unsettling guitar ballad.
There’s a thin line between hope and loss, cloying tension and eventual rest being explored on the first side of this intriguing release. Column Of Trout delivers music with a delicate touch which echoes M.L.Buch as well as the exacting execution of Still House Plants.
Any split release is an act of considered curation and ‘Split/Lop’ doesn’t disappoint. You wouldn’t expect Difficult Art And Music to pair like for like and contrast is definitely the way they go. The four instrumental songs from Partager are flamboyant, almost brazen by comparison, synth rock with an avant twist. It’s the sound of DAAM label boss and left field composer Daniel Hignell-Tully (aka Distant Animals) testing out convention.
First up is Heaven Room, swelling with a widescreen electro-pop sound plus a rock-ish edge that echoes Hignell’s other ‘band’, Be Kind Cadaver. There’s scratchy guitars, power chords and chorale sighs which build up to an impressive anthemic sway. The processional Lesser Ex follows a similar orchestral dynamic. Referencing a John Carpenter soundtrack, it’s the unorthodox pairing of instruments which gives this tune an identity. A reedy harmonica/melodica, folk-rock/mummer drums, full bodied piano and zinging autoharps wrap you up in the widescreen melody.
What Partager presents here are cohesive tunes and familiar dynamics which kid you into thinking you know what’s coming, then divert with surprises. Sea Dive’s cavernous guitar, hammered notes and tympanic storms merge Mogwai loud/quiet variations with prog-facing synth arpeggios. The double time rock out finale might be expected but it’s performed with such honest relish that the ending rises above predictability. To close his contribution Partager takes a mega-drone route for the doomy Earth Turn. Here the industrial percussion and piano trills multiply to create sonic layers which inhale and exhale ominously.
If you’re looking for a way-in to more experimental music-making then ‘Split/Lop’ could be the portal you’ve been waiting for.
Get your copy of ‘Split/Lop‘ by Column of Trout/Partager from your local record store or direct from Difficult Art And Music HERE
