LISTEN: Lava Brain Soothes Anxiety With Striking Debut
New artist Lava Brain drops some comforting heat…
Finding relief in stressful times is a big currency. Crippling doubt about the future and fear of the present is something many had to struggle with at some stage. For many (this writer included) those two settings are ingrained in the brain in such a way you feel stuck on repeat. It is an endless cycle of questioning yourself, your surroundings, your future, your present, your past, your friends, your life, your clothes, your family, your social pursuits, your food choices, your shoes, your car, your life.
For some creativity is an integral outlet to expel negative energy. Of course, that in itself can be a struggle too. Melbourne artist Lava Brain knows the push and pull of anxiety all too well: ‘It is something that I have always struggled with, particularly while undertaking creative pursuits, often serving as a gatekeeper to action. Like most people, I have found the last few months particularly challenging. Music and meditation have served as an oasis during these tough times.’ And through two distinct remixes of his debut single ‘Tripping Point’, that sentiment is clearly articulated.
The ‘Breakneck mix’ is a broken beat workout which feels cathartic. Soft-pedal percussion skittles sweetly across synths which control random bursts of electronica (anxiety) from completely exploding. It’s an exercise in funnelling negative energy and corralling it towards stasis. On the flip, the ‘Introspective mix’ is a beautiful 19-minute beast of ambient bliss. The (healing) work comes courtesy of soothing field recordings and sheaths of synths that shiver like celestial membranes. Perfect for when you need to cool the lava steaming away in your brain.
’Tripping Point’ is self-released, you can support the artist on Bandcamp and Soundcloud. All proceeds raised will be donated to Beyond Blue, a charity organisation supporting those struggling with mental health issues.