Being on the Heimlich radar for some time, never losing track of Australia’s Phortah has resulted in the very first long play release by Heimlich Musik. Phortah’s debut album “Olua” drifts between the vibrant waves of ten tracks founded on a uniquely emotive sound and compositional style. The album courses a transformative evening, punctuated by a myriad of broken beats and straight four to the floor grooves. Organic performances of strings, vocals, flutes and percussion are featured in combination with analogue and digital synthesis and beat design. Phortah’s sound is at once nostalgic and gritty; incorporating also field recordings and noise. Olua journeys between flowing passages contrasted with abrupt and surprising moments.
The album was recorded and produced on Gumbaynggirr country in Bellingen and on Newry Island, New South Wales, Australia. The power of the surrounding rivers, forests and ocean have greatly influenced the music. Phortah acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land, the Gumbaynggirr people. Lila Swain recorded her vocals in Berlin. Given the spectrum of sound aesthetics, the album format appeared to be the only logical way to release this unique piece of art.
credits
from Olua LP,
released May 4, 2019
Nicholas Gilchrist aka Phortah - Instrumental performances (guitars, bass guitar, synths, vocals, percussion), composition and production
With deep gratitude to the following contributors:
Evie Bacigalupo - Violins and co composition on “’Til Morning Part I”
Lila Swain - lyrics and vocals on the “‘Til Morning” tracks and co composition on “’Til Morning Part I” Luke Rhodes - Harmonic flute and percussion on “Ayoca”
Changa Gita - vocals on “Oh Girl”
James Ring - vocals on “She Waits”
Millicent Kruger - vocals on “Lexicon”
supported by 11 fans who also own “Tokyo (Original Mix)”
Every single song on this stellar compilation is a moody and memorable dose of deephouse, each wearing the intricacies and intelligence of their design lightly. If you have room in your heart for smart and emotionally grown-up electronica, you'd be doing yourself an enormous disservice overlooking this. Ben Harris
With guest appearances from clipping., Nicolas Jaar, Angel Bat Dawid & more, “Rhizomes” is a dense experimental masterpiece. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 6, 2023
supported by 10 fans who also own “Tokyo (Original Mix)”
Just like Alice in Wonderland, you go off the beaten track only to transcend into a different world and discover treasure. This hidden gem is true artistry! mhg_ntombela