Benjamin Fox and Gordon Cooper make up American electronic duo Irish Lights - the transatlantic electronic music duo set to unveil their latest single, ‘Haulbowline’.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Irish lighthouse of the same name, this instrumental track captures the haunting solitude and enduring beauty of the sea. Known for their ethereal soundscapes rooted in the mystique of Irish lighthouses, Irish Lights continue their journey of melding ambient electronica with profound storytelling.
Haulbowline Lighthouse, the namesake of the track, stands as a sentinel over the entrance to Carlingford Lough in Co. Down, Northern Ireland. This 200-year-old lighthouse, renowned for being the first in Ireland to be fully automated and controlled remotely, inspired the duo’s exploration of themes of isolation, resilience, and connection to the sea. The name ‘Haulbowline’ itself comes from a Norse translation meaning “‘aunt of the Eel’,” adding a layer of intrigue to the story behind the song.
Fox and Cooper grew up along the shores of Lake Erie on an island bordering Canada, where their childhoods were steeped in the rugged beauty and history of the Great Lakes. Climbing cliffs haunted by the ghosts of prohibition and The Purple Gang, the pair developed a deep fascination with the Lake Erie lighthouses, a symbol of isolation and strength in the desolate winter months when the seasonal island emptied. In 2018, Fox relocated to the West of Ireland, where the dramatic landscapes and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean reignited those formative memories. A documentary on Irish lighthouses aired on RTE soon after, and the breathtaking drone footage of these weathered, solitary structures inspired Fox to create his own soundtrack for the majestic scenes. From that moment, Irish Lights was born. They have since released six studio albums and a live album, each showcasing the expansive nature of their atmospheric and evocative sound.
‘Haulbowline’ is an electronic instrumental that transports listeners to the heart of a creaking wooden boat adrift on open waters. The song fuses melancholic acoustic guitar with expansive, atmospheric synths, evoking the raw isolation and serenity of life at sea. The intricate textures and Lo-Fi aesthetic of the track mirror the sounds of wind and waves, offering a meditative listening experience that is both desolate and hauntingly beautiful.
Recorded across two continents, in Co. Mayo, Ireland, and Detroit, Michigan, ‘Haulbowline’ serves as the first single from Irish Lights' forthcoming album, slated for release in 2025. The track marks a new chapter for the duo as they continue to craft immersive soundscapes that guide listeners through the hidden secrets of the ocean.
Prepare to get lost in the dark waters, but trust that Irish Lights will always guide you home.
Listen to 'Haulbowline' here:
コメント