For Snow From Yesterday, Austrian composer, innovator, Grammy nominee and acclaimed percussionist Manu Delago has teamed up with vocal ensemble Mad About Lemon to craft a profound and distinct new concept piece.
Manu Delago's latest, Snow From Yesterday, finds him collaborating with the up-and-coming vocal ensemble Mad About Lemon to create this unique concept piece. The album, while mirroring the fluidity of water, explores various forms - from glacial mountains to rivers and delicate watercolor drops, digs into the themes of journeys and life stages, connecting individuals across different times and places. Each track is infused with a tangible energy that links it to its subject matter and other tracks on the album.
The lead single, "Slow-Mo Moving River," captures the essence of glaciers with crystalline harps and vocal effects imitating icy sounds. Delago highlights the slow movement of glaciers, emphasizing their constant but gradual pace. The album as a whole, addresses mammoth climate issues yet manages to convey moments of intimacy and personal reflection.
The stories within Snow From Yesterday carry a cleansing emotional element, often presenting a mournful yet hopeful message. Delago aims to portray seemingly hopeless events as sources of strength over time. Whether exploring personal or environmental themes, the album reflects on the transient and magical nature of everything, comparing water's dual role as a potential danger and life giver.
Manu Delago, known for his handpan virtuosity, has become a prominent figure in his field, having toured with artists like Björk. His percussive skills, combined with a rotating band of multi-instrumentalists and electronic manipulation, create dynamic and high-concept explorations. Collaborating with artists such as Björk, Anoushka Shankar, and the Cinematic Orchestra, his diverse experiences contribute to this album's rich sound.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Manu Delago is recognized for his commitment to sustainability. His ReCycling Tour involves traveling by bike, transporting instruments in bicycle trailers, and using solar panels to charge electronic equipment. The tour prioritizes sustainability through the use of eco-friendly products and collaboration with local businesses.
Mad About Lemon, a vocal ensemble comprised of Heidi Erler, Mimi Schmid, and Anna Widauer, adds folksy harmonies to Snow From Yesterday. Formed in 2020, the trio experiments with choral settings, improvisations, and performance elements, emphasizing musical aesthetics and emotional messages.
Snow From Yesterday takes listeners on a journey across vast oceans and thousands of years, encouraging them to see themselves as part of a larger whole. In the end, the album suggests that, like rivers leading to the sea, all paths lead to a collective experience.