The Thousands

Solar Flecks is possibly the most unified collection of pieces yet assembled by Sean Bailey. As Lakes, his music is relentlessly challenging, using analogue keyboards, tape recordings and weird percussion to make undeniably creative constructions.

First track ‘Energy Garden’ baits listeners with an intriguingly layered orchestration. The harsh screech of metal colliding with metal emanates from deep in the background, while a murmuring synthesiser and the primitive thud of a drum machine create the type of beat suitable for a doomed procession. The mantra-like repetition of Bailey’s voice resonates with enough despondency to lull you into stalled catatonia for the duration of the song. It’s almost like the Stooges’ ‘We Will Fall‘ being reinterpreted for the bleak tones of primitive electronic circuitry.

The songs on this record often crawl with funereal solemnity, but are structured in a way that makes them hypnotic and absorbing throughout. Solar Flecks makes for a good introduction point for newcomers curious about Lakes’ work.