London composer and pianist Aliya Lark presents a gorgeous brand new EP called Gravity of the Ocean – a six-track instrumental work that floats beautifully along the neoclassical and ambient lines. Every composition resembles a wave, which despite its quietness possesses a certain depth and draws the listeners into the world of sound that is both emotional and cinematic.
Although the piano makes the core of the project, this is by no means a standard solo piano album. Lark sprinkles her songs with strings and synths, as well as field records, and makes her sonic world both intimate and expansive. The application of felt piano and its mellow mechanical sounds and keys give it a sense of touch and human touch – each note breathing with its warmth and delicateness.
Songs such as “White Poppy” are woven with layers of melody and arpeggio to the extent that they are almost washing up into each other, whereas “Reeds Rustled” and “Cold Shores” are natural snapshots that are almost written on the verge of memory. The opening song, “Gravity of the Ocean,” is the emotional tide that is steady though strong, somber yet all-encompassing.
Throughout the 20 minutes of the EP, the body switches seamlessly between ordered minimalism and free improvisation, combining traditional instrumentation with ambient sounds. It is a melody that gives one the opportunity to be quiet, reflective and emotional.
Aliya Lark is not only a good pianist, but a sound architect with the assistance of Gravity of the Ocean: a visual yet deeply personal yet unbelievably weightless music.
