Could you imagine that fossils might produce sounds? At first glance, this seems impossible: the ancient remains of long-extinct creatures, sealed in stone, have no vocal cords. However, in the world of music and science, there is a unique field where such fantasies become reality.
Many musicians working in the field of experimental sound art draw inspiration from this concept. One of such musicians is Cochrane McMillan, known as Cochrane, who creates unique music.
This summer, Cochrane released his second album, “Lagerstätten.” Interestingly, the term “Lagerstätte” in science refers to a sedimentary deposit containing exceptionally well-preserved fossils. These sites are crucial in paleontology as they provide a more complete picture of past life.
photo by @cochranesound
Cochrane presents his sound world, where rhythms, cycles, and the symbiosis of organic and electronic instruments merge into melodies. Imagine a music album created based on the sounds of ancient fossils: each track is an audiovisual story of a distant past.
“Lagerstätte” is a mastery of complex musical arrangements. The album opens with “The Roiling Cells,” which can be compared to an archaeological dig that delves into the depths of Cochrane’s musical history. Sounds move chaotically, attempting to reach the farthest corners of archaic melodies. Gradually, these melodies unfold into a spectacular exposition in a whirlwind of uneven rhythms and synthesizer beats. In a serene pause, imbued with a gentle groove and an inviting voice, one can rest before the next excitement: an intense world of complex melodies that, despite all differences, form a harmonious whole.
Next is “The Cat, the Muse,” an electronic track that hypnotizes with its sound and rhythm. The music pulses and evolves, creating the sensation of descending into a cave. The melodies Cochrane creates are reminiscent of paleontology – he uncovers ancient sounds lost to time and recreates them with a contemporary touch. Just as a paleontologist excavates and restores images of ancient beings, Cochrane, in my view, explores sounds to create musical pictures that reflect the mystical world of ancient artifacts.
photo by @cochranesound
Following the hypnotic “The Cat, the Muse,” comes the more dynamic piece “Future Name.” It begins with captivating drum rhythms that instantly caught my attention. As the track progresses, intricate instrumental figures start to swirl, creating a sense of infinite space. In the nearly 10-minute “Future Name,” Cochrane skillfully blends elements of acoustics and electronics, offering an engaging experiment. In my opinion, Cochrane has crafted a perfectly meditative composition, listening to it brought reflections on the past of our planet, its evolution, and the infinity of time.
And while “Future Name” stirred my imagination, the concluding track of the album – “Dad Song” – elicited special emotions. This track is my favorite. “Dad Song” bursts like fireworks, scattering myriad sounds and leaving a sweet aftertaste. From the first seconds, I was captivated by the melody, where soft synthesizer tones gradually intensified and harmoniously intertwined with delicate percussion. “Dad Song” is the pinnacle of the entire album. It encapsulates all its moods and themes, releasing them in a grand finale.
I was captivated by how Cochrane drew inspiration from paleontological themes. It is unique and very informative. The experimental album “Lagerstätten” is a release from which everyone can discover something new. On one hand, the music from this release can inspire reflections on history and immerse you in thoughts about the past. On the other hand, Cochrane has delivered a complex and intricate electronic release that promises a delightful listening experience.
I recommend everyone to listen to this release and explore Cochrane’s previous works. In every track, you will find true inspiration, a touch of history, and something entirely new that may surprise you. Cochrane invites everyone to experience a new world through the “Lagerstätte” release. Follow Cochrane on social media to stay updated on new releases. The album is available on all streaming platforms.
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