Art As Catharsis is proud to announce the release of Eclipsing // Orbs – a split, instrumental record featuring progressive Australian guitarists Joseph Rabjohns (Kodiak Empire) and Lachlan R. Dale (Hashshashin).
For both Lachlan R. Dale and Joseph Ranjohns, Eclipsing // Orbs is rooted in the attempt to process loss and death, and the long journey from grief to acceptance. Musically, each pushes the boundaries of guitar instrumentalism, drawing from a variety of styles to conjure a cinematic journey that seeks to communicate the inner experiences of each musician.
“This record deals with the loss of my grandparents,” begins Lachlan, “and my attempt to work towards a kind of inner peace or equanimity. It's about coming to peace with the terms of existence - suffering, death, impermanence - and still having gratitude for being alive.”
“For myself, the music I write, my experiences in life, and my exploration of philosophy and spirituality are always intertwined. These days my music comes from an impulse to try and express something that is difficult to put into words, like a shift in perspective. “
Lachlan R. Dale is perhaps best known for his work in Hashshashin - an energetic fusion of progressive rock, polyrhythmic metal, and Eastern traditions. On his debut solo release, Lachlan takes a somewhat different approach, drawing inspiration from Persian and Indian classical music, and sifting them through a filter of ambience, minimalism and drone.
Lachlan cites drone-metal titan Dylan Carson (of Earth), Pandit Nikhil Banerjee and neo-classical composer Dustin O’Halloran as having informed his style, while others might pick-up hints of Year Of No Light’s blackened post-metal, the deep ambience of Rafael Anton Irisarri, or the meditative sonic explorations of High Aura’d. The resulting songs flow with gentleness, yet still maintain a snarl of distortion – Lachlan’s interests in heavier music stirring in the undercurrent. One a select few tracks, Peter Hollo (raven, Tangents) features, with Cameron Macdonald (Hashshashin, Five Star Prison Cell) and Susie Bishop (ex-Hinterlandt) appearing on one track each.
In contrast to Lachlan’s side of the record, Joseph shares deftness in his fingerpicking while often slipping into cleaner, more compartmentalised moments. Returning with frequent collaborator Zac Sacrewski (Milton Man Gogh) on double bass and Kieran Stevenson on ambient vocals, these four songs share Joseph’s love for math, prog and jazz in the form of neo-classical/folk arrangements. Some may detect similarities to the likes of Ben Monder and Pat Metheny, but again, Joseph’s work is in a class of its own.
“Me and Lachlan befriended each other back in 2016 when my project Kodiak Empire linked up with his band Hashshashin in Sydney,” says Joseph about the project. “Since then I’ve started helping out with Art As Catharsis, and we found our individual sound as musicians compliment each other nicely and we shares a similar vision/outlook on art. We both placed a similar meaning on our individual contributions to the release, mine essentially relating to losing and being reacquainted with myself through dealing with death of loved ones, and through finding new people who have influenced my life in a positive way. In a sense this is returning to my spirituality. Navigating existentialism in a quest to understand what it is to be human in a world of chaos!”
Joseph’s side of the release was recorded and mixed by Cody McWaters with Jono Frowd assisting. Lachlan’s contribution was recorded and mixed by Tim Carr (We Lost The Sea, Mere Women, SEIMS) at One Flight Up. The record was mastered by Ron Pollard (Tangled Thoughts Of Leaving, Skullcave) at Studio Sleepwalker’s Dread.
Beyond this release, Joe and Lachlan intend on collaborating further. While COVID-19 restrictions hinder the chance of touring, the pair have shared intent on live performances in the future. Music wise, a collaborative album between the pair is also in the works – but for now, the warmth, space and texture of Eclipsing // Orbs will more than suffice.
1. Joseph Rabjohns - Invoke
2. Joseph Rabjohns - Shining
3. Joseph Rabjohns - Eclipsing (I)
4. Joseph Rabjohns - Eclipsing (II)
5. Joseph Rabjohns - Acceptance
6. Lachlan R. Dale - Warmth And Time
7. Lachlan R. Dale - Absorbed By The Earth
8. Lachlan R. Dale - Leaking Light
9. Lachlan R. Dale - A Soundless Stream
10. Lachlan R. Dale - Breaths Of A Summer's Day
Joseph Rabjohns - Eclipsing
For Julie & Robert Flynn, and Norman-George & Isabelle Rabjohns
Recorded by Cody McWaters at Hunting Ground Studios
‘Invoke’ recorded by Jono Frowd
Mixed by Cody McWaters at Hunting Ground
Mastered by Ron Pollard at Studio Sleepwalker’s Dread
Joseph Rabjohns: Guitar, ambient guitar effects/layers
Zac Sakrewski: Double bass
Kieran Stevenson: Vocals
Kat Hunter: Strings, Vocals
All strings arranged by Kat Hunter
Cody McWaters: Baritone guitar on track 5
Lachlan R. Dale - Orbs
For Hennie Smith and Allan Dale
Recorded by Tim Carr at Adversary Studios and One Flight Up
Mixed by Tim Carr at One Flight Up
Mastered by Ron Pollard at Studio Sleepwalker's Dread
Artwork by Sam Harwood
Lachlan Dale: Guitar, loops
Peter Hollo: Cello on track 2, 3
Cameron Macdonald: Bass on track 2, 4
Susie Bishop: Violin on track 3
