Chris Lucsan – Heliconia [Virescence Records, 2021-02-08]
There are a lot of flowers in this Colombian label, ideal to seduce a Valentine, preferably scientific: Virescence conceptualises the organic structure of the plants in its discography and podcast, as well as the musicality of nature, finding in its microcosm and various forms of metamorphosis the inspiration to design hypnotic soundscapes. We still have in mind the massive floral VA dedicated to the iconic Garden Club in Pereira, so we hit play on “Heliconia” with the excitation of the beekeeper.
The first track “Heliconia”, referring to a flower growing in Colombia, is simply beautiful. The spiral which fades in is a bit offset harmonically, but it creates the “imperfection of nature” and matches the topic. “Aechma” is darker, representing well the tempestuous tropical climate evoked by the label: “an environment tense as a storm.” The two first tracks are followed by remixes from South Korean artists that we follow closely. Artscope’s label owner Yóhan proposes a magistral version of “Heliconia”, whose pulse triggered by the kicks resonates like the rumble of the traditional Korean massed drums. Minjoon’s version of “Aechma” closes the EP with a sense of dynamic movement, infused by the polyrhythmic percussions and intriguing sounds.
Organic and impactful, the release is highly recommended, particularly to garden lovers and other plant aficionados…
WRITING BY: CEDRIC FINKBEINER | 13 FEBRUARY 2021
