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Laish have released their Obituaries EP which also signals a new development in the band’s direction. Whilst the title track ‘Obituaries‘ is a contemplative song dealing with a coomon theme throughout of obsession with death and legacy it showcases a much bigger and dynamic sound.
Songwriter for Laish, Daniel Green:
“I have begun to loosen my grip on my songs. What started life as a song-writing and bedroom recording obsession has now grown into this fully functioning band. This new set of musicians is invigorating and we are knocking out new songs by the week. This EP perhaps marks this transition. I am still in control here but starting to relinquish some responsibility.”
If this is the stop gap to a new album then there is plenty to be looking forward to, this EP packs a lot of punch and emotion into four tracks. Visions is audio delicacy on which Daniel breathes life into the narrative. The serene textures in between spoken word depict time drifting through an hour glass whilst Daniels vocal delivery carries the a rythmic down-turned face of acceptance and fate.
Leave Me to Lie Alone is a borrowed song by Frances Donnelly of Animal Magic Tricks which Daniel has worn for so long that it has taken on his shape. The addition of Kristin McClement’s vocals make this a firm favourite.
“I used to play this song with Frances at house parties and she always enjoyed my version. She told me she had abandoned the song, I could have it. I feel the song has been good to me…”
This is What I Know touches again on legacy and death, a well chosen if lonely finale. The stripped down performance of just guitar and banjo draws complete focus to the lyrics, a reminder of the origins of Laish which ends with the song being interrupted and a sudden end to the bedroom recording…
2012 will be the busiest year for Laish. A new album, Obituaries, is days from completion and they are impatient to get it out into the world as these new songs make up the bulk of their exciting and varied live shows. Go see them if you can!
Tour Dates:
APRIL
3 bristol, louisiana* TICKETS
4 norwich, arts centre* TICKETS
5 london, bush hall* TICKETS
7 brighton, the haunt* TICKETS
(* with Sons of Noel & Adrian and Emma Gatrill)
18 leeds, communion (with Saul Ashby)
19 bath, chapel arts (with People’s String Foundation) TICKETS
20 st austell, eden cafe TICKETS
21 falmouth, miss peapods TICKETS
22 cardiff, 10 feet tall
24 newcastle, cumberland arms (with Richard Dawson, Martha Rose)
25 london, old queens head (supporting Emily Portman) TICKETS
26 milton keynes, the stables (with Emma Gatrill) TICKETS
27 lewes, needlemakers (with Emma Gatrill)
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