GAMMELSÆTER & MARHAUG — Higgs Boson

Well-known and long-time Norwegian sound artists Runhild Gammelsæter and Lasse Marhaug see their two-year collaboration released this month, Higgs Boson. their second collaborative LP, the pair rekindled their flame as a duo in 2019, and began work on this current release before the COVID lockdown. Drawing inspiration from many subjects (from experimental Japanese cinema, French comic books, landscape photography, and much more), the duo continue the physics-inspired collab (their last release was Quantum Entanglement) and further prove how art and science are forever entwined. 

Combining varied influences and approaches, Higgs Boson deftly brings together many elements and manages to pay tribute to both the vastness and tininess of the quantum scale. While in this wildly dichotomous playfield, the myriad influences play through and add wonderful dimension to this huge scope. A bit more terrifying than the title would let on, Gammelsæter's vocals run the gamut from whispers to chants to horrifying growls. This often plays in contrast to the somewhat neutral tones and adds much more gravity to the vocal elements. With the large, echoing scope and often vast, minimalistic sheets of silence, the vocals bring this forth in a ritualistic feeling, which is interesting compared with the album's title. However, it is in this ritual, in the metaphysical that the physical was born. Philosophers, astronomers, and scientists were generally one in the same, and this microcosm trapped within every atom, every particle, is playing out along the macrocosm in which we spend our daily lives. Adding this level of mystique, mystery, and wonder really helps the listener to understand how at one with the universe they truly are. One cycle envelops another, and each is reflected within its parts.

Mixing varied vocal styles and sparse but spacious electronics, Gammelsæter and Marhaug's latest release is a real treat for those that like to put on an LP and let their mind wander. Built-in such a way for the listener to take from the audio their own story, not only will each person's experience be different, but the album is done so that each successive spin will bring the listener down a different path. Whether basing one's experience on the sounds and moving forth or using the titles as a guide, Higgs Boson is a pure treat, and will allow the listener to have many mental journeys. To check it out drop by https://ideologicorgan.bandcamp.com/