RUTH GOLLER'S SKYLLA

Expanding on the wholly original sound Goller established with her 2021 album SKYLLA – i.e. compositions of detuned bass under a spectra of soprano voices she arranged and overdubbed herself – SKYLLUMINA complicates matters as she augments every piece with a different drummer. A list that includes Skinner, prolific British player Seb Rochford, fellow International Anthem recording artists Bex Burch and Frank Rosaly, her longtime Vula Viel counterpart Jim Hart, and more, Goller’s drummers each take a completely different approach to complementing her music. Some use inventive applications of traditional drum kits; others bowed vibraphone, or gongs, sanza and llimba.

As Goller elaborates: “I love playing with drummers and I decided to focus this work on my close connection to that instrument and the amazing people I’ve met in my life who play it. I started getting a list of drummers together that I wanted to be on the record and it was huge. I had to limit myself.”

Throughout its 44 minutes, SKYLLUMINA uncovers a staggering sense of possibility — not only sonically, but emotionally. Says Goller: “This record is a deep insight into my soul and my recent life. It’s coming through a meteor storm and grasping the first light. Coming out of a very unexpected tumultuous time. There are a lot of feelings of grief, loss, hope, pure love, connection to my home, death, and new configurations — as well as self-discovery.”

Host or Publisher The Rose Hill