Label: Laura Lies In – LLI007 Format: Vinyl, LP Country: UK Released: 2019 Genre: Electronic, Jazz Style: Experimental, Free Improvisation
Properly blindsided by this one just dropped on Laura Lies In by the Tara Clerkin Trio. A rich, seven-piece suite of seriously sure-footed contemporary DIY / improv that manages plenty of nods to it's Bristolian roots (think Crescent's 'Electronic Sound Constructions' but scrubbed up) whilst still sounding totally modern without even having to 'deconstruct' anything. Since when did the clarinet sound so good anyway (could easily NOT be a clarinet too - I know nothing), but yeah this potentially unidentifiable wind instrument features throughout - on the opener paired with a heavy drum rumble and vocal loops which sets lays the foundations for a sorta millennial take on YaHoWa (pls can this happen), but instead plunges into the chirpier fair-weather stroll of 'In The Room'. 'Hellenica' blends lo-slung drums and woozier exotica with deadly effectiveness - confidently heavy on the effects, not afraid to fuck around but never does it boil over, whilst 'I know He Will' meshes distant kitchen clitter-clatter to plodding bass notes, catchy yet stripped back voxs and that sturdy UWI. Flipside the heavily chong'd 'Gold Bar' orchestrates an effortless fusion of scruffy Mo-Wax era drum-breaks and red-room noir, followed by 'Any Of These' - it's loose drumming, minimal vocals and lingering piano notes perfectly poised for late night listening ALONE. But even for all the nods to wonky-pop aesthetics, repeat listens really reinforce it's welcoming yet unmistakably odd allure - one of them, when it clicks..! So good.. highest recommends..(Mint / New).
Tracklist A1 What? A2 In The Room A3 Hellenica A4 I Know He Will B1 Gold Bar B2 Any Of These B3 There Will Be Time