by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

This is the fifth album from Lithuanian duo Merope, who are Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė (singer and kanklès) and Bert Cools (guitar and producer). They have built a lasting reputation for their individual blend of folk and ambient music, honed on the Stroom label since 2012.

Véjula finds them spreading their wings to welcome collaborations with like-minded musicians, including Shahzad Ismaily, Laraaji and Bill Frisell.

What’s the music like?

Merope are simultaneously soothing and stimulating. Their ambient credentials are very strong, and because of that Koumu Lil immediately takes you to a calm, meditative spot, aided by the Lithuanian chordophone known as the kanklès. Once there you can admire the inventive musicianship on offer, as the music shimmers and sparkles in front of your eyes.

Throughout there is an endearing richness of colour, with music that can meander on occasion (enjoyably so) before being punctuated by sudden pinpoints of focus. Laraaji’s zither on Namopi, brings rich swathes of sound, complemented by Shahzad Ismaily’s vocals and prompted by the bass. The thrumming of Vija is similarly hypnotic, while there are more intimate musings on Spindulé. Ismaily returns for O Underhill’s fascinating exercises in perspective, with fragmented bursts of sound.

Frisell plays electric guitar on Lopšinė, a rather wonderful reverie complemented by wordless vocals.

Does it all work?

It does. Merope don’t give the impression of working within rules, but their sense of structure is instinctive and ensures each of their musical explorations is expertly judged.

Is it recommended?

It is. A blissful 40 minutes in the company of a consistently inventive act, one whose colour and warmth is difficult to resist.

For fans of… Laraaji, Harold Budd, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Bill Frisell

Listen and Buy

Published post no.2,371 – Saturday 23 November 2024