Under Way is a two track EP from the duo Lore City who are, Laura Mariposa Williams and Eric Angelo Bessel, currently based in Portland, Oregon. Released in October 2022 it is 11 minutes and 17 seconds of dreamy, experimental, gothic, psychedelia that will have you reaching for the play button again as soon as it's over. I'm not one for meditation but I would consider it if I could listen to this! The music is kind of dark but at the same time uplifting, ethereal and deep, as well as calming.
"Animate" has a chant like vocal and drum element to it with a brighter sounding catchy piano tune that somehow manages to create a sort of church bell feel to it by the end. I'm not sure what vocalist Laura Mariposa Williams is saying in her haunting, floaty way but it relaxes and spaces me out. "Very Body" is instrumental, fully immersive and ghostly. Both tracks are quite visual too, maybe it's because of the EP's artwork being a photograph of the ocean waves but this track in particular makes me visualise a body of water. Makes me feel like I'm floating. Being very new to this band I like the fact that their music feels familiar and accepting just from hearing a couple of tracks.
Under Way has followed on from their album Participation Mystique which was released in July 2021. This says to me that Lore City are not here to just pump out records but that they take their time to write, create and bring their art to life both aurally and visually. Under Way has had a lot of thought put into it and it sounds amazing. It is definitely best listened to through headphones to really appreciate all the detail and instruments at their best. If you've had a stressful day and you need to chill out...listen to Lore City. If you're going out on a long walk with the dog...listen to Lore City. If you just wanna ignore society and lose yourself in your thoughts then listen to Lore City!!
Their bandcamp page is a wealth of information about the band from poetry, merchandise and, of course, their music. All available to purchase on lovely shiny vinyl!
