MEROPE plays minimalistic Lithuanian folk melodies, embraced by own compositions, textures of sound, subtle harmonies and polyrhythm, improvisations melted with electronic soundscapes. Merope's atmosphere gives life to a new ritual music of our modern time.
Some of you might have seen this one coming! Merope's (5th and) most full length to date, V?jula is a celebration of collaboration and playfulness, and features appearances from Shahzad Ismaily, Laraaji and Bill Frisell.
Like its predecessors, the duo's fifth album still roots itself in Lithuanian folk forms, but sprouts out spiritedly from that point into unfamiliar landscapes, muddling ancient themes with contemporary philosophies, concepts and technology. Delicate instrumental sequences and ethereal vocals are woven into a rich tapestry of subtle synth work and evocative field recordings.
On 'Kouma Lil', Indr? Jurgelevi?i?t? and Bert Cools experiment with digital images of the kankl?s (a traditional Lithuanian chordophone), and Jurgelevi?i?t?'s voice, blurring the boundary between the organic and the artificial, while on 'Spindul?, French percussionist Toma Gouband adds percussion from his custom-made sounding stones to Jurgelevi?i?t?'s gentle words and Cools' surreal, sensuous electronics.
'V?jula' is an album that reaches into the unknown without loosing its tight grip on the past. Merope are in a new creative phase of their career, and they've never sounded quite so universal, or so vital.
