Mammal Hands: Three Instruments, Plenty of Motion
Sometimes the useful studio upgrade is staying the night.
For Gift from the Trees, Mammal Hands recorded in a residential studio for the first time, giving themselves room to follow ideas late into the evening. Their account of the 2023 album describes a mixture of prepared material and studio improvisation, with the energy of their live performances guiding the sessions.
The trio also brought live engineer Benjamin Capp into the process before mixing with Greg Freeman in Berlin. There is a lovely practical idea in that decision: work with someone who already knows how you sound together when the room is awake.
The surroundings had a part, too. Recording visits in winter and spring gave the band contrasting experiences of the Welsh landscape. Their release notes connect that changing atmosphere with the music, including “Kernel” and “Dimu.”
For a compact introduction, take “The Spinner,” “Nightingale” and “Dimu.” Follow the recurring ideas and the handovers between instruments. A small ensemble gives you a manageable number of people to follow, while leaving plenty to notice in the exchanges.
This is a look back at one chapter of Mammal Hands, whose catalogue has continued since. Give this record an uninterrupted stretch of your day. The musicians gave themselves time to explore; the rest of us can at least stop checking the kettle for five minutes.
Explore the official release and listening links.
Official release artwork. Artwork and design: Daniel Halsall. Source: Gondwana Records. Artwork source.