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#dominiquelawalrée #vinyl #vinylrecords
Dominique Lawalrée’s ‘First Meeting’ has finally been reissued on vinyl, bringing back the impossibly gentle and sad yet life-affirming melodies that we have described as one of the most beautiful chance-encounters with music we have ever had. It is without a doubt one of our all-time favorite albums. If you are a fan of Erik Satie, Virginia Astley, Brian Eno’s short-lived Obscure label, Laila Sakini, or if you appreciate timeless outsider music for piano, wurlitzer, bells, flute, and voice, then this precious collection of intimate wonders is a must-listen. Prepare to be mesmerized.
Although Dominique Lawalrée sadly passed away in 2019, ‘First Meeting’ serves as an indispensable introduction to his captivating and emotive parlour music. With recordings dating back to 1978-1982, Lawalrée’s self-released material on his own Brussels-based Editions Walrus showcases a quietly sublime and intimately unique sound. There is a certain surreality in his music that beckons closer examination, with memorable melodies layered with incidental room sounds and hints of exotic Eastern influence that reveal themselves with each subsequent listen. Now, thanks to Rashad Becker’s exquisite remastering, the veil of obscurity has been lifted, leading to a renewed appreciation of Lawalrée’s musical genius.
In the liner notes provided by Britton Powell, Lawalree’s music is aptly described as “wallpaper; ornate and repetitive.” While drawing comparisons to Satie and Eno in terms of subtle and meditative musicality, Lawalrée’s work possesses its own distinct quality. He expertly balances warbling harmonic complexity with elegant pacing, creating a nuanced consonance that captivates the listener. Lawalrée’s appreciation for a wide array of musicians, from Satie, Feldman, and Stockhausen to The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, is evident in his music. In fact, Lawalrée conducted a meticulous second-by-second analysis of The Beatles’ recordings, pointing out mistakes to their engineer, Geoff Emerick, that had gone unnoticed by others.
‘First Meeting’ showcases Lawalrée’s range, from the tape tekkers and raga-folk influences in ‘Post-Scriptum’ to the haunting notes of ‘Please Do Not Disturb’, reminiscent of Arca’s work. The album also features the tear-jerking masterpiece ‘Listen to the Quiet Voice’ and the breezy beauty of ‘Le Secret Blanc’, a 14-minute track filled with nostalgic charm.
In conclusion, ‘First Meeting’ is a dream-like record that should not be missed. Dominque Lawalrée’s music is an invitation to immerse oneself in a world of delicate melodies and introspective moments. Whether you are an admirer of his contemporaries or seeking a truly unique musical experience, this album has the power to touch your soul and possibly change your life.
