Morning / Hands: a radiant burst of morning glory in my sweaty little hands

I Am A Lake Of Burning Orchids, Morning / Hands, Loveswirls, CD-R love002 (2011)

Compared to its predecessor “Summer in My Veins”, this recording is a less noisy and crackly affair, and more a soothing piece with plenty of radiance and bright summery warmth. First track “Waiting” is at once smooth and shimmery, concealing plenty of bite and croaky vocal rasp: a nice beguiling piece with a knife hiding behind its glittery sheen to send you on your way through this sultry world of trance psychedelia with influences and inspirations drawn from noise electronics and blackened shoegaze. Subsequent tracks sprawl through subtropical dronescapes where the atmosphere hangs yellow-heavy and voices in the background sigh. The music relies a great deal on repeating loops and textured wash.

“You in White Vapour” introduces a wistful air with its repeating melody which dominates the track. It’s the most striking work here for that particular melody which passes through various permutations and changes. A stately joy springs from its rhythm before the tune suddenly recedes almost into the darkness. “Happiness is Just an Illusion” might be true in what it says and the track itself is a series of field recordings running into one another, but for about 25 minutes while this album plays, your happiness is a very lovely and pleasant illusion indeed. Go on, dive back in, keep dreary reality at bay for another 25 minutes – you know you want to!

The sad thing about this recording is that there was only a limited print edition of 50 copies so by the time you read this, it all might have sold out.

Contact: Aquarius Records