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It’s always a rough time for fans when one of their favourite acts (I’lls) of the moment announce that they are going on hiatus. The absence and longing for new work is both crippling and devastating. In saying that though, absence does make the heart grow fonder. For the meantime, fret no more lovers of I’lls and Kllo, as the musical mastermind behind these projects, Simon Lam has revived one of his former solo projects, Nearly Oratorio.
Never fear lovers of I’lls and Kllo, Simon Lam is bringing back his old project Nearly Oratorio and it sounds as promising as ever.
A significant influence within the Melbourne underground electronic scene, Lam has collaborated with numerous key players in the field such as The Ocean Party, Slum Sociable, and many other promising acts. A well-versed writer, performer, and producer, Lam has earned a reputation as the undisclosed genius behind many of his peer’s ravishing creations.
Formed back in 2011, Nearly Oratorio first gained notice from its beautifully accessible yet astoundingly complex EP, Showers. An fusion of folk, pop, and ambient sounds, the project remained relatively unnoticed for a period of time. However, slowly but surely, the EP soon gained traction amongst many prominent musos in Melbourne.
Now, thanks to Solitaire Recordings, Lam’s project has been brought back to life through Tin – the first single from the upcoming EP of the same name. According to Lam himself, Tin was first conceived three years ago and features, “raw, demo vocals that I never bothered to redo and the poor recording/mixing capabilities of a 21 y/o Nearly Oratorio.”
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Downplaying the creative influences that has been injected into Tin, don’t allow Lam’s modest analysis turn you away from what is truly a divine creation. Written and put away for safe keeping, the exploratory structures, titillating timing of both harmony and daring melody within Tin demonstrates how this upcoming EP is more relevant and timeless than ever before.
A subdued electronic ballad, the track doesn’t necessarily build towards a key moment, but it’s intricate mix of contrasting percussions and underlying synths roam around Lam’s hush vocals in a way that’s so entrancing. A seamless mixture of acoustic and electronic instrumentation, Tin expresses evocative moods of deep reflection and comfort yet, at the surface, it’s just a brilliantly simple song.
Sort of like a throwback to I’lls’ older work, this first taste of Nearly Oratorio’s EP shows that what’s to come will be packed with emotive triggers and heavily textured melodies. Tin is full of intention, as Lam would say, “This is about living in your head, and wanting to be submerged in your own thoughts, as it’s your safe place and where you feel at home”.
The Tin EP will be shared via the legends over at Solitaire Recordings on 11 April 2016.
