‘Leaking Light’, Lachlan R. Dale’s second single from Eclipsing // Orbs, a split release with fellow progressive Australian guitarist Joseph Rabjohns.
Lachlan R. Dale is perhaps best known for his work in Hashshashin – an energetic fusion of progressive rock, polyrhythmic metal, and Eastern traditions. On his debut solo release, Eclipsing // Orbs, Lachlan takes a somewhat different approach, drawing inspiration from Persian and Indian classical music, and sifting them through a filter of ambience, minimalism and drone.
Lachlan’s second single, Leaking Light, shows some of the softer elements of the album. It is a more restrained and minimal piece that draws from neo-classical composers like Dustin O’Halloran and Keaton Henson. Featuring cellist Peter Hollo (Tangents, FourPlay String Quartet) and violinist Susie Bishop, the track expresses a melancholy tinged with nostalgia that is ultimately redeemed by a sense of beauty and love.
“This song was written for my Grandfather,” explains Lachlan. “When he passed at the age of 95, I felt both sadness and a deep sense of gratitude for the time we had together. It was a grief that contained within it a strong memory of warmth and love. With this song I’ve tried to express what that feels like to look back over our time together, and to come to a place of acceptance and peace.”
For both Lachlan R. Dale and Joseph Ranjohns, Eclipsing // Orbs is rooted in the attempt to process loss and death, and the long journey from grief to acceptance. “This record deals with the loss of my grandparents,” begins Lachlan, “and my attempt to work towards a kind of inner peace or equanimity. It’s about coming to peace with the terms of existence – suffering, death, impermanence – and still having gratitude for being alive.”
“For myself, the music I write, my experiences in life, and my exploration of philosophy and spirituality are always intertwined. These days my music comes from an impulse to try and express something that is difficult to put into words, like a shift in perspective. “
On his side of the record, Lachlan cites drone-metal titan Dylan Carson (of Earth), Pandit Nikhil Banerjee and Ali Ghamsari as having informed his style, while others might pick-up hints of Year Of No Light’s blackened post-metal, the deep ambience of Rafael Anton Irisarri, or the meditative sonic explorations of High Aura’d. The resulting songs flow with gentleness, yet still maintain a snarl of distortion – Lachlan’s interests in heavier music stirring in the undercurrent.
Lachlan’s contribution was recorded and mixed by Tim Carr (We Lost The Sea, Mere Women, SEIMS) at One Flight Up, while Joe’s side was recorded and mixed by Cody McWaters at Hunting Ground Studios. The record was mastered by Ron Pollard (Tangled Thoughts Of Leaving, Skullcave) at Studio Sleepwalker’s Dread.
Lachlan and Joe intend to collaborate further beyond this release. Beyond this release, Lachlan and Joe also intend on collaborating further. While COVID-19 restrictions hinder the chance of touring, the pair have shared intent on live performances in the future. Music wise, a collaborative album between the pair is also in the works – but for now, the space, texture and creativity of Eclipsing // Orbs will more than suffice.
Joseph Rabjohns & Lachlan R. Dale’s Eclipsing // Orbs is out 26 November 2021. Lachlan’s new single Leaking Light is out now.
