TOKAIDO

Project XII continues for May with the release on May 22 of the audio single “Tokaido” by London-based percussionists and composers Zands and Louise Anna Duggan. Minihi is the creative outlet of Zands and Duggan. Together, they create a uniquely percussive take on contemporary instrumental music by blending mallets, piano and bell-like textures with earthy drums and bubbling synths. The London-based musicians construct vivid soundscapes where the classical palette intersects with the world of groove and electronics.

“Tokaido” is the name of the Shinkansen bullet train line from Kyoto to Tokyo and the piece was inspired by the feeling of hurtling through various landscapes, towns and cities when Louise and Zands took this journey themselves. It features a Nepalese singing bowl that remains constant throughout and a manipulated Turkish darabuka which opens the piece and reappears in various guises. The journey reaches its end as Mount Fuji enters the frame of the train window. The momentum ebbs away as the timeless sight appears to remain still and suspended in time whilst the rest of the world continues to rush by. Tokaido was recorded at Real World Studios and co-produced with Oli Jacobs.

A video of the single will be released on May 26.

More about Minihi:

In their own right, Louise is the Percussionist for Agnes Obel (Deutsche Grammophon) and Zands plays with Melt Yourself Down (Decca). Between them they have worked with artists and ensembles ranging from the Royal Philharmonic to Lady Gaga and together they recorded on Thom Yorke’s Grammy nominated album ‘Anima’ with the London Contemporary Orchestra. Minihi means sanctuary in ancient Breton French and is the name of a remote island reef near Louise’s birthplace of Jersey.

Tokaido is their debut release and an album of original material is set for release later in 2020.