The musical partnership of Chris and Annabelle South, known as Meles Lutra, are back with their sophomore album, 'Meles Meles', a rich tapestry of sounds woven from folk, jazz, and classical threads. This new collection, following their 2022 debut 'Lutra Lutra', further cements their dedication to portraying the natural world through their music, drawing inspiration from their Cornish surroundings.
'Meles Meles' serves as a heartfelt tribute to the European badger, a creature that embodies the duo's profound admiration for wildlife. The album's soundscape is a blend of intricate woodwind arrangements, including flutes, saxophones, and clarinets, coupled with evocative vocals, creating a listening experience that is both immersive and thought-provoking.
The Souths' compositions act as a dual narrative, celebrating the inherent beauty of nature while acknowledging its fragility. The album is a call to action, prompting listeners to reflect on their relationship with the environment. However, it's not all sombre reflection; 'Meles Meles' ultimately carries a message of hope. Tracks like 'Beelines' evoke the vibrant potential of thriving ecosystems, while 'Change is Possible', a song inspired by an unexpected message on a parking ticket machine, encourages listeners to become agents of positive change.
The album's diversity is evident in its thematic range. 'Oak Tree' celebrates the majesty of these ancient giants, while 'Carn Du' draws inspiration from the treacherous Manacles reef off the Cornish coast. 'Meles Meles' itself captures the playful spirit of badgers, and 'Porpoise Autopsy' highlights the vital work of marine life rescue. The duo also pay homage to conservation efforts, with 'Beelines' supporting Buglife, and 'Porpoise Autopsy' acknowledging the British Divers Marine Life Rescue.
Annabelle South expresses her hope that the album will reconnect people with the "wonder and joy of our precious natural world." She notes, "Here in Cornwall there’s so much beauty around, but it’s easy to overlook in the midst of our busy lives. If this album can help people take a few minutes to look around and rejoice in nature, we’ve achieved our aim.”
Highlights abound in tracks like 'Shaking the Dust', inspired by the often-overlooked contributions of immigrants to British culture, add a layer of social commentary to the album's environmental focus. The simple round of 'Oak Tree' celebrates the lifecycle of the tree, 'Meles Meles' captures the joy of the badger, and 'Change is Possible' provides a hopeful anthem.
For more from the band, be sure to find them on Bandcamp and Facebook.
