Petrichor - 'a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather'. I love this smell, as it gives me a sense of rejuvenation - the replenishing of water supplies, rivers, streams, flora and fauna - the crops will make it. Petrichor is an event that triggers a change. The news is filled with terrifying events but currently they are events that seem to demand a change in behaviour more so than normal. Stephen Hawking said that 'intelligence is the ability to adapt to change'. The pandemic is a mass tragedy - both in the failings of governments and the personal stories on losing loved ones without being able to be present to show love and support. Lest we forget the sacrifice and dedication of frontline workers.
That said, it is important to always look for the opportunity in things - to make it count in the name of those people who have suffered most. The pandemic and necessary isolation from other band members has set us on a different path both in terms of song choice and recording for the next album / EP.
I live in a cottage opposite a wood and through the woods is a river that broadens to become a lake. Surrounded by woods, the ambient sound from the wind in the trees, the wildfowl, songbirds and birds of prey is a comforting cacoon of nature. In this location - with the help of Neil Gay (ROE guest, Jilk, The Cedar, etc) who lent me a battery powered condenser mic, an interface and an iphone - I've begun recording vocals and guitar live to a click track (keeps it at the right speed for others to record onto).
We're then layering the rest of the band over the top of this in turn. The intention is to keep the ambient guides in the final mix. As such, this collection of songs will be more in the singer-songwritier style than a four piece band. We have planned multiple string instruments and a French Horn! We'll see how that pans out. Possible names for the mini-album are 'Petrichor (at dusk in spring)' / '8 in the evening in spring'. I will do my best to infiltrate 'social' with media from the process and the final outcome. Love to all. Keep walking and talking. Rob and band.
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