Melliflua
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Aron Kirk - Seep - Sadness-Upon-Sea Music (2007)

2 tracks. Running time 33:58

Following on from his previous release Brick Circus, Aron Kirk continues his intention of making music that leaves us uneasy and unsure in the EP length Seep. To this end the cover art of a mannequin with blood seeping from its ear and eye conveys a sense of unease even before listening to the music. Each of the two long form tracks run through a variety of styles and moods from mid-tempo rhythms and vocals to quiet passages comprising mainly piano.

The album opens with “Seep (Part 1)”. Slightly spooky reverbing synth lines drone around as snippets of voices, a crying baby, and other noises such as running water play out in the backdrop. An experimental section with all manner of strange noises and effects then leads into a more musical rhythmic section which reminded me a little of ”Praying to the Aliens” and “Down in the Park” on Tubeway Army's electronic pop album Replicas. Eventually the piece draws to a close with a slow piano melody, and distorted sirens and voices.

In the second track “Seep (Part 2)” dramatic cello like refrains mix with a kind of percussive rhythm formed by tapping on glass bottles, or something like that, and occasional electric squawks. After dropping into a pensive mood for a short time it surprisingly turns into an earnest song with a Gary Numan style vibe. All the while assorted and difficult to identify sounds chitter in the background. The vocals finish and the drama slowly falls away with the final passage being sparse piano notes against the soggy sound of falling rain.

I found Seep to be the most accessible of Aron's albums so far. Undoubtedly it's weird in places but is held together by a cohesive structure, and successive listening will turn up something new each time.