Here's something a little different from what we'd normally expect from the folks at ECM Records. Lumen Drones are an instrumental trio comprised of Nils Økland (fiddle), Per Stainer Lie (guitar), and Ørjan Haaland (drums), and the band play a moody, mysterious form of post rock/drone/psychedelic/jazz/space rock that would probably sound more at home at Free Electric Sound or Cuneiform, but I like the fact that ECM is willing to go into unchartered territory here. Considering that three three have delved into rock based music before, you'll get plenty of that here, as Lie's metallic soundscapes bristle with menace, allowing Økland's savage fiddle explorations to skyrocket over the ominous arrangements. "Echo Plexus" is a prime example of just how eerie these three can get, as meditative rhythms from Haaland creep underneath jagged shards of fiddle noise and doom laden guitar dirges. "Keelwater" treads into more chamber rock territory with a touch of bleak post rock, while "Svartaskjær" picks up the pace quite a bit, a jarring slice of jazz-metal cacophony with no shortage of wispy fiddle over fuzz toned guitar licks and galloping rhythms. The 12-minute epic "Ira Furore" is a brooding slow builder that makes its way to a chaotic climax with scorching space rock inspired guitar & fiddle explorations. Hawkwind or Pink Floyd fans will certainly get a kick out this one.
Pretty much on par with the recent release from My Brother the Wind, Lumen Drones have created a chilling and intoxicating brew of sounds here on this self-titled album. Nice to see ECM offering even more variety on their already eclectic roster of artists.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
1. Dark Sea
2. Ira Furore
3. Anemone
4. Echo Plexus
5. Lux dedicated to Alf Lie
6. Husky
7. Keelwater
8. Svartaskjær
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