300 g, 32 x 32 cm
Released: 6 September 2024

Tracklist

1. Jot’s Phorbela (05:44)
2. Singing Phragmites of Pont’Etzu (07:40)
3. The Cats of Medir (04:49)
4. Sacrifice of a Reed (13:39)
5. A Gargling Aulete (03:54)

Lukas De Clerck explores a niche of archaeological research in music – the aulos is a historical Greek instrument that Lukas analysed and reinterpreted by a luthier in modern times. In the absence of historical partitions or written information about how to recreate technique on the instrument, Lukas navigates this impression as an artwork or living sculptural object. He interprets information from the rare archaeological resources and visual art of the classical period to recreate both playing technique and possible sound timbres with the instrument. With his contemporary approach to drone, post-minimalist music, and contemporary folk, we find a deeply satisfying and compelling, even playful set of songs, timbral exercises and compositions.

‘The morphology of the aulos is defined by its reeds. The tubular memory inside the plant’s fibre will ensure it closes and opens naturally, like the mouth that blows breath inside. The reeds are the core, the sound source – the naked instrument. They behave like two oscillators, bending high-pitched notes into beatings. The pipes are a context, a channel for the sound. They create a narrative.’ An essential document of new music meets contemporary archaemusicological research via Stephen O’Malley of SUNN O)))’s label Ideologic Organ.

★ The album is also available to listen to and download digitally via Bandcamp and Linkfire

Credits

Recorded by: Lukas de Clerck
Conception Telescopic Aulos: Lukas De Clerck
Creation Telescopic Aulos: Noir Métal
Phorbeia and Jacket: Jot Fau
Mixed and Mastered: by Frédéric Alstadt / Ångström Mastering
Pictures:  Emile Barret
Liner Notes: Lukas De Clerck
All tracks are played live at Brasserie Atlas by Lukas De Clerck

Co-produced by STUK, Sonic Acts, and De Bijloke and made possible with the support of Flanders, State of The Art.