Lifelines
A long distance collaboration conceived in lockdown, Lifelines is a series of beautifully crafted poems spoken and scored by poet Nikki Marrone and composer Laura McGarrigle, here recording under pseudonym Gaze is Ghost.
Both artists are first year mothers, and it is in themes of motherhood where the collection finds the most resonance. Charting some of the more profound journeys life offers, its pieces are as much warrior as they are protector – reckoning with intergenerational trauma alongside moments of intimacy and wonder. It is both a reclamation and celebration of the body after birth; an exploration of both challenge and potential.
Piano and clarinets trace the physical, psychically transformative journey of birth; layered strings and harmonium uproot the family tree in ‘Burning Through The Bloodline’. Elsewhere, ‘Revenge’ is purely acapella, the only additional contribution from Marrone’s own daughter.
The moments captured here are lifelines to pull you from the darkness, and push you forwards into life.
Lifelines can be purchased as a digital release via the Colliding Lines Bandcamp.
Film
Reviews
“There’s a sense of awe and wonder as well as a barely held-in cracked emotion in the delivery of the poetry (‘In Embryo’ is a wonderful example with it’s rolling piano heightening the feeling) while the tender and joyful ‘Revenge’ shows a disarming sense of humour. It’s a wholly engaging and refreshingly honest release.” – The Smelly Flowerpot
Written and performed by Nikki Marrone and Laura McGarrigle
Mastering: Theresa Elflein
Artwork: Angharad Hengyu Owen
Dance: Lorenza Toffolon
Edit: Wesley Freeman-Smith