Leyden Jars – Too much of not enough

London-based duo Leyden Jars welcome us to their world across a set of 4 breezy improvisations, made during lockdown #1, edited in lockdown #2 and mixed and mastered in lockdown #3 in the UK.

In it oneiric synth washes, kosmische arpeggios and glittering melodies drift softly over an open plain, blending with one another to take the shape of songs and wandering soundscapes. Natalie’s voice floats in and out of the fray as an instrument in itself, breathing heavenly laments like a ghost singing through the floorboards.

Each track was made over a set of different days, and with that unravels a set of new shades and tones; anxiety, uncertainty and hope laid bare. As the duo say, “it appears that within the uncertainty of the first lockdown, we reached for familiar tools; improvised a temporary escape that coincidentally led us back to the unknown and unplanned.” Leyden Jars look inward to spread themselves outward, and with us share us the delectable results.

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All music by Leyden Jars: Natalie Williams & Mark Courtney

Mastered by Carim Clasmann at the Fish Tank, Cologne'

Cover by Oli Barrett

Tracklisting:
1 - Act 1 [19:48]
2 - Act 2 [21:00]
3 - Act 3 [15:59]
4 - Act 4 [15:09]

Leyden Jars

London based duo who debuted with a triptych of albums for the unimpeachable Mordant Music through 2016-2017. Followed by a fourth on the singular Outer Reaches (2020) and were part of the Cafe Oto Takuroku digital series. Their latest album 'forgeries' was released in early 2023. " This is one for late nights and misty mornings....musique concrete, haunted folk and some dub attitude" (Rewind Forward).

Beginning as a dare, live shows became central to their way of working. Outings included an inaugural performance in Paris, support for Tropa Macaca and Echtoplasm Girls. Their sound is based on electronics that breathe! Incorporating sonic place, sonic space and all manner of sound makers. "Dank!!" (Jackson Burton).

They have recently set up the Goods Outward label with no set of rules, more a set of possibilities. Mysteries, histories and curiosities. The first GO release by Jim Edgar Morgan (At home with the Boyle Family dir. Stuart Heaney & Chris De Selincourt 2022) is the soundtrack to an art film documentary about the birth of the psychedelic liquid lightshows.

Leyden Jars have recently enjoyed some swims in the sea and are very relaxed....