Irish duo Absolute Lilt explore the human voice as both instrument and atmosphere on debut EP Criostal, a seven-track release via Heavenly Recordings.
Formed by Lisa Canny and Niamh Hinchy, the project centres on traditional Irish lilting: a wordless vocal practice traditionally used to carry dance melodies without instruments. On Criostal, that technique moves beyond preservation into experimentation, passing through ambient space, psychedelia and moments of almost cinematic fantasy.
Using only their voices, the duo move between rhythm, melody and texture, keeping Irish tradition open, fluid and experimental.
Previously released tracks P Stands For Paddy and Dreaming Lilt introduced that approach, while focus track Monaghan Twig/John McHugh returns to two traditional tunes that helped establish the duo online. Absolute Lilt explain:
Monaghan Twig & John McHugh’s are two traditional tunes that first went viral for us online – so this set is a special one to us. It represents the beginning of Absolute Lilt’s mad journey! We are very proud of this EP and can’t wait for it to be out in the world!
That origin gives the track extra weight, expanding a viral performance into a wordless study of breath, repetition and voice.
Lisa and Niamh are also founding members of BIIRD, the all-female Irish traditional music collective. Their work with the group has included television appearances and live performances, but Absolute Lilt pushes their shared vocal practice into a more abstract and immersive space.
Criostal reveals the technology within Irish tradition: breath as rhythm, the mouth as instrument and memory as recording system.