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Lonnie Holley: Sculptor Turns Found Objects into Sonic Alchemy
30 Oct
Summary
- Holley reshapes American roots music into genre-defying works.
- His new EP, National Freedom, recorded at Richard Swift's studio.
- Songs blend blues, dub, and freeform piano wanderings.
Experimental artist Lonnie Holley crafts unique sonic landscapes on his EP "National Freedom," recorded in 2014 at Richard Swift's studio. Holley, also a visual artist and sculptor, applies his transformative approach to music, building upon American roots traditions to create works that transcend genre.
The EP navigates diverse sounds, from intense blues to relaxed dub and improvisational piano. Tracks like "In It Too Deep" feature sparse arrangements, such as Holley's voice with a kalimba, evoking a sense of profound contemplation. The song "Just want to stick my hand out," reveals Holley's philosophy of appreciating everything.
"Crystal Doorknob" offers a more grounded yet wondrous experience, with Holley's gravelly voice and evocative imagery of a solitary door found in a forest. This track, alongside piano-driven pieces like "So Many Rivers (The First Time)," highlights his ability to imbue simple elements with deep meaning.
The EP's most powerful song, "Like Hell Broke Away," is an anguished ballad of lost love. Holley uses multi-tracked vocals and instruments like a Mellotron and cello to convey the raw pain of heartbreak. This deeply personal and musically rich track resonates due to its relatable human emotion.
