The first thing you realise as Snooze that Button kicks in, is that something about it gives you the feels. It’s immediately complex. It’s warm but dark. It is unfamiliar in the same way that Bowie, Waits or Cave is, at first. But you are going to become familiar with it, because as the album progresses you realise that it is not going to conform to anything else you’ve heard on the radio today. Or possibly ever. And you will need more for later. The unabashed eclecticism, soaring melodies, honesty and intimate tone can mean only one thing:
We have a live rare real authentic one. The rest is commentary.
Helichrysum + Riverine is an album for, and about two people that finally get a quiet moment alone to reconnect at soul level. The recommended setting includes enough wine and zero space or time for anything else. Just like the conversation at first, it comes across as sparse, until the beautifully measured sprinklings of genius become undeniable. Maybe not for newlyweds.
This is an album that lavishes odes of Love on the Beloved, in an archetypal tribute that treads tenderly while searching for the exact words and notes. It contains the in-jokes, subtle winks and tiny little inflections that are known only to the complete devotee of decades — and the little moments of hurt, anguish and disillusionment of the truly committed one. Threads of emotion that run way deep are woven with beautiful musical embellishments, and rushes of lyrical drama into a tapestry-offering with priestly skill and focus. With Helichrysum + Riverine we are invited to walk on it for a short distance with bare feet and hearts.
The boon from this masterful appellation, is the sweet response of the magical child-like artwork and backing vocals that Catherina Mocke contributes. Their inspiring partnership, and the fact that Chris plays and produces everything in his own tiny rooftop studio plays a significant part of the unfettered expression of Helichrysum + Riverine (and the corpus of Chris J. Mocke’s work). He calls the shots as a savant, and when he does, he bares his soul. No compromises and no fallacies for undue gain or fame. And if his somewhat haunting voice feels disconcertingly close at times, that is because you are indeed brought to close quarters, only to step again through a portal into soaring sonic dimensions. This here is micro-brewing of music, and it always produces a trip of sonic delight.
Whatever you need to do is what you need to do, to get this album. You’ll be needing it later.
https://chrisjmocke.bandcamp.com/album/helichrysum-riverine
released November 2, 2018
