The unfolding that takes place on YlangYlang’s latest LP sounds akin to descending below decks on a small ocean liner. There may be a storm raging above, or a calm sea’s surface … but increasingly these sounds become filtered through the ship’s hull – muted, reverberated, obscured. The yawns of the hull itself as it interacts with the outside environment become the only language audible – that and the conversation of the crew.
A thousand ways to change the subject
Somewhere below, a comfortably warm distance from the boiler room, there is a sheepskin rug on the floor of a wood panelled cabin. A small quartet engage in soft, guided improvisation. At their centre, cross-legged on the rug with her implements encircling her, is the Sontag of Song – Catherine Debard. The interplay amongst the musicians is effortless – notes, like neurons, pass through them like synapses. Debard channels her inner contemplations into forms that rise and fall with tide outside, at a safe remove.
Nobody loves my shadows like you do
Morale on the lower decks is important to the ships’ functioning. Camaraderie, when in good supply, can be a fuel in itself. When a captain knows her intentions both with attention to detail in regard to the ship’s course and faith in the crew’s abilities the journey can become a source of connection. A shared triumph, a collaboration with the fates. On Only By Moonlight, Debard leaves her hangups on the shore – the reward for her humility is nothing short of rapturous.
credits
released March 23, 2023
12PERS04
Catherine Debard - piano, synthesizers, electronics, field recording & vocals
Connor Bennett - saxophones and electronics
Audréanne Filion - cello
Evelyn Charlotte Joe - nylon guitar, upright bass, rhodes (7), mini boog (5) & dx7 (6)
Artwork - Receiving Jupiter's Gift (Detail) by Katie McDonald
Layout — Léon Lo
Composition, music direction & mixing : Catherine Debard
Recorded between June 2021 - May 2022
Engineering & recording of the live instrumental performances and vocals: Evelyn Charlotte Joe at Say What u Mean Studios, located on lands known as Mooniyang/Tiohti:áke/Montreal
Mastering — East End Mastering
Vinyl lathe cuts and assembly by Jackson Darby for Personal Touch
Write up by Destiny Rosenberg
Personal Records is an independent, short-run vinyl label based in Montreal creating sonic artifacts for left field music projects. Lathe-cut by Personal Touch.
supported by 10 fans who also own “Only by moonlight”
This record is a GEM! Feels like the 80s orchestration, the 90s songwriting and the 2000s experimental practices are blending into what 2020s should sound like. Amazing. 💜 nicolas bernier
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