Lorie Bevins

The Mountain Of Joy Is A Valley Of Despair Downside Up

Cudighi, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Mountain Of Joy Is A Valley Of Despair Downside Up

A very peculiar and intriguing listen, the atypical electronica and synth-pop sounds here come from B. Van den Eynden in De Handhaving (Antwerp, BE) and Aria di Montagna (Carrara, IT), who, as Lorie Bevins, make for an unclassifiable and admirable 17 tracks.

“Cecille” opens the listen with a very playful, upbeat and twinkling display of electronic pop, and this creativity continues to unpredictable and dreamy “N1D”, as well as the hypnotic and lush textures of “Aged & Done”.

Deeper into the listen, the mysterious “Kould Lie Twoo” leads with a minimal approach before soft, soulful vocals enter the more rock focused climate, while ‘Postponed Delayed” hints at much earlier decades with its disco nods and flourishes of ‘70s grooves.

Further yet, “Why Learn Life, You Be A Wreck” uses vocals like an instrument in the warbly and radiant abstract pop delivery, and “Alain” exits the listen with a video game-esque feeling that’s quirky in all the best ways.

Yet another iconoclastic and aesthetically charming release on the Cudighi Records label, this eye catching cassette comes with a download code to accompany the outsider pop experience.

Travels well with: Pont á Mousson- Shelter!; Train Fantôme- Nous sommes dans un rêve