Applause for Deci Gallen and his vaporous but lovely presence as LMINL. Once, he composed as the Jane Bradfords and connoisseurs of synth-swoon may remember ‘Golden Ticket’ with affection. Long story, but he has rejoined us with a new project and an album that is flecked with memory and sighs, like stray light in a derelict room.
Actually, that’s not a fancy conceit, since the songs tell of a return to the old house in the rural northwest and the parish dance hall that’s adjacent to it. Decades ago, there was vibrancy, but now the visitor senses decay:
“Copper pennies turned to green, the apple smell of Halloween… souls…”
Deci Gallen, LMINL
The songs are unhurried, resting by the poignant details, allowing the emotions to transfuse. A few of the tunes take their leave with a billowing coda. ‘We Were Something’ is seven minutes of ascending, aching Proust-pop. Likewise, the cathedral tones of ‘Postcard’, just the job if you favour the scale of Sigur Rós and The National.
The backstory of LMINL is about awful misfortune, damaged hearing and a record that might never have been made. Which gives the votive flicker of ‘Halo Light’ a consoling aspect. Prepare another candle for the souls who gave illumination.
Stuart Bailie
LMINL will host a playback event of The Dance Hall during this year’s Sound of Belfast programme, 7 November. Ticket details here.
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