Cheryl E Leonard - Firn

Review by Lola Gómez

Firn, the latest album by Cheryl E Leonard, is a mesmerizing collection of experimental music that transports listeners to the icy landscapes of the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Leonard, a composer and sound artist who specializes in using natural materials and field recordings in her work, has created a haunting and immersive sonic environment that evokes the eerie beauty and fragility of the polar regions.

The album consists of six tracks, each of which showcases Leonard's skillful use of unconventional instruments and sound sources. In "Aurora," for example, she blends the sounds of ice cracking and melting with the ethereal tones of a glass armonica to create a shimmering, otherworldly soundscape. In "Polar Sun," she uses the metallic clinks of ice cubes and the eerie whistles of wind to convey the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Antarctic Silence," which features Leonard's haunting vocals layered over a sparse, atmospheric drone. The effect is both eerie and beautiful, evoking the stillness and isolation of the frozen continent. Another highlight is "Glacier Calving," which captures the explosive sound of icebergs breaking apart and crashing into the ocean.

Summary by Lola Gómez

Firn is a stunning work of experimental music that showcases Cheryl E Leonard's unique talents as a composer and sound artist. It is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of music and the natural world, and a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet's polar regions.