Description
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Heather Leigh and Shackleton join forces as Flesh & The Dream to embark on a remarkable musical journey in the realm of the psychic dancehall. Their debut album, ‘Choose Mortality,’ transcends boundaries, merging elements of outré folk vocalizations and dizzying, queered soundscapes into a psychedelic prog masterpiece. With a rich tapestry of influences that includes Annette Peacock, Anna Homler, Coil, Kate Bush, Rrose, Harry Partch, and Yes, this album presents a singular and enigmatic vision unlike anything else.
The seeds of ‘Choose Mortality’ were sown when Heather Leigh and Shackleton first collaborated in 2019 for the Tunes of Negation album, ‘Reach the Endless Sea.’ Their shared musical language and mutual fascination with philosophy, religion, and literature formed the basis for their creative partnership. They began exchanging musical sketches, blending elements of outsider folk, fourth world music, and experimental electronics to create a distinct sonic fusion.
The resulting album is a swirling tapestry of freely modal songcraft and spiraling dervishes. It navigates between realms of rhythmic psychedelia and ethereal, shape-shifting vocals. Heather Leigh’s elusive and seductive presence merges seamlessly with Shackleton’s roiling percussive battery and shearing synth textures, creating an intoxicating musical experience.
Certain tracks evoke the spirit of Sleazy’s Threshold Houseboys Choir with their puckered tones, as seen in the haunting ‘Diviner Of The Flesh.’ The album reaches majestic heights of heart-in-mouth psychedelics with the biblical centerpiece ‘Book of Daniel Part 3 (The Image of God and the Blazing).’ While drawing inspiration from prog luminaries such as Yes, Genesis, and King Crimson, Flesh & The Dream offer a fresh perspective by avoiding mere imitation or mimicry. Their music is simultaneously progressive and psychedelic, navigating the creative pitfalls that these genres often entail.
What sets Flesh & The Dream apart is their ability to create music that exists outside any particular continuum. Heather Leigh brings elements of outsider art, honed through years of experience as both an artist and curator, while Shackleton’s bass weight incursions add depth and texture. The result is a wholly unique proposition that defies easy classification.
One standout track, ‘Before the Flood,’ captivates the listener with its nearly eight-minute duration of ratcheting FM clangs, hissing hi-hats, and ghosted vocalizations. It offers a glimpse into the otherworldly delights that await throughout the album, evoking a collaboration between Coil and Kate Bush with its brilliant and unearthly sonic palette.
Flesh & The Dream’s ‘Choose Mortality’ is a mesmerizing and boundary-pushing release that defies conventions. It combines disparate elements to create a transcendent musical experience that invites listeners to immerse themselves in its otherworldly sonic landscape. With its blend of folk, experimental electronics, and progressive psychedelia, this album stands as a testament to the duo’s artistic vision and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound.
