Susu Laroche - Closer to the Thing That Fled (2023)

Susu Laroche is a French-Egyptian multi-disciplinary artist who has had previous collaborations with Klein, Oxhy, Blackhaine, NKISI, Flora Yin-Wong & Mica Levi to name a few. Her album lands on Accidental Meetings, giving full insight into the mind of this superb artist.

The LP, mostly inspired by Ursula L Guins Earthsea, follows the narrative of a shadow/gebbeth stalking oneself and trying to overpower the phases of one submitting to & resisting it. Susu's voice demonstrates the gebbeth, using her voice as an instrument, representing it in various proximities but also at times it represents the soul in various states responding to the gebbeth. The backing and verse then operate as a call and response between the gebbeth and the soul. Many lyrics are inspired and formed from a Persian book of poetry and the cut-up technique style within it. Her trademark dark & harrowing sound is prominent throughout, taking influence from dabke rhythms.