ALBUM REVIEW: House Of Lull . House Of When – Alexis Marshall

ALEXIS MARSHALL is not just a musician. He is a performer. It runs through all of his work to date, from his time being the frontman of dystopian noise brigade DAUGHTERS, to his own solo work. This debut solo record comes to us from esteemed label Sargent House, who have a real knack for releasing records on which the artist is given total free will to experiment and create their own sonic world, free of the trappings and limitations of other projects. House Of Lull . House Of When is a prime example of giving an already established artist the creative space to really delve into their own work, and create something that is truly a reflection of themselves. 

The principal feeling throughout the record is one of artistic freedom and the willingness to go anywhere. The opening chords on Drink From The Oceans, Nothing Can Harm You take us as listeners into a complete sound world. The piano sets a sombre rhythm, whilst mournful sounds shift throughout, with the ambient sounds of a room dropping in and out. The seemingly endless rhythm of Hounds In The Abyss evokes a real sense of dread within the listener, whilst Marshall‘s howled delivery of “I hear it coming” sends shivers down the spine. 

The screeching of the saxophone on It Just Doesn’t Feel Good Anymore accompanies Marshall‘s preacher like barks, accompanied by a cacophony of noise that worms it’s way through one’s consciousness. The sublime use of percussion on the record is an absolute highlight, showcasing the level of creativity that can be reached by making sound out of household objects. This lends a real physicality and sense of grounding to the record that has to be heard to be appreciated properly.

Marshall‘s use of his voice as an instrument is just another level of this record that is endlessly fascinating. He paints such a vivid portrait, not just with his lyrics, but with the tone of his vocals. Youth As Religion softly seethes, whilst Religion As Leader sees Marshall violently sneering and quoting the previous piece, changing the meaning from one of eulogy to mockery and scorn. The sounds of screws being dropped runs throughout No Truth In The Body, getting under your skin, whilst a discordant drone unsettles the atmosphere even further. 

This record exists in a sonic world that is difficult to classify. As said previously, it is more of a performance piece than an album in the traditional sense, but that is not a criticism at all. The atmosphere that ALEXIS MARSHALL and his cohort of collaborators create on House Of Lull . House Of When is at points blood chilling, and at others awe inspiring. It truly is a record that reveals more of itself the more times the listener is willing to let ALEXIS MARSHALL guide them through this unnerving journey. 

Rating: 9/10

House Of Lull . House Of When is out now via Sargent House.

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