Debut album 'Momentum' out now!
Momentum is a collection of ten compositions inspired by nature, humanity and the constant strife between the two.
Tracks on Momentum were created in one take using a cello, simple effects and a loop pedal; all manipulated using expression pedals. Loops are kept dynamic by changing the playback direction of the recorded material whilst adding new textures using unique sounds on the cello. Each composition is written with the idea of mixing it completely live, and as a result no track ever sounds the same twice.
"Stunning" Mary Anne Hobbs
"Very, very beautiful music indeed" Tom Ravenscroft
"strikingly beautiful” Clash Magazine
Landing
Landing is based on the notion of the earth having a heartbeat. It is a track designed to bring awareness to the subject of global warming and the atmosphere surrounding the earth. At a time when we have never had more evidence to support the problems of rising temperatures, we face an uphill battle to make the necessary changes.
The looped pizzicato pattern in Landing is designed to replicate this continuous life cycle and forms the backbone of the composition. The soaring pizzicato melody ebbs and flows throughout the track and it is only when we reach the final stages of the track that our attention is bought back to the heartbeat of the composition.
The Sea
The Sea celebrates the magnificence of the oceans that cover almost three quarters of the earth’s surface. It is a track designed to focus our awareness on the importance of rebuilding and preserving something that is home to over 90% of living organisms and contributes to the majority of oxygen that keeps us alive.
The Sea has a feeling of suspense throughout, created by a looped pizzicato pattern. This pizzicato motif floats on a sustained drone which is designed to symbolise the movement of water and the coming and going of the tide. The melody builds to a crescendo like a series of waves overlapping one another. The peak of the crescendo is followed by a sudden sense of serenity, allowing the simplified melody to be restored.
Pines
Pines stems from the notion of evolution of plant life all over earth; a growth that cultivates a home for wildlife and creates the oxygen we need to breathe. There is an element of uncertainty in the track, which reflects and questions the way we interact with the planet and our respect for the plants that keep us alive. The continuous movement within the track reminds us that all organisms and plants are ever growing and evolving, whilst reflecting the endless nature of the energy driving this life cycle.
It is a soaring melodic track that begins at the top of the frequency spectrum, gaining breadth and colour as it descends. By the time the lowest notes are reached, an ascending melody takes flight, taking the low frequencies with it as it soars from the cello. Pines ebbs and flows like a towering tree swaying in the forest, as the melody lucidly glides above. A sense of tranquillity in the middle section provides a bed for pizzicato patterns to resonate before the melody takes flight again.
'Harmonic' at Kew Gardens
Rob Lewis will be performing a selection of compositions from his forthcoming album as part of Cirque Bijou's show 'Harmonic', live at Kew Gardens' Temperate House throughout the summer. Rob's music for looping cello will provide a live soundtrack to aerial acrobat Korri Aulakh's mesmerising performance. For more details see the live page.