Exploring the Lucaifem Project

Daecaunt is both a musician and an artist, and his work is unusual in that he approaches both disciplines in exactly the same way and each is intricately linked with the other. Each song he writes, follows the same method in which "every sound and varying pitch of every note of the known scale is interpreted in my thought as colour (with respectable shade and tint) and texture". Every track is accompanied by its own image depicting the makeup of the song itself.

The Lucaifem Project website states that the purpose of the project is one of "gathering and revealing...and, consequently, establishing a haven for those who understand and adjoin their own light." The Lucaifem album is filled with tracks which seem to reinforce this purpose; with undertones of ancient magic and wisdom, Minstrelesque songs and a reverence for the natural world. The CD itself is presented in a slip cover manufactured from recycled cardboard, and the project seeks to support charitable organisations who "promote for the care and respect of Creation."

The Lucaifem CD is far more than just music - it is an entire atmosphere in itself, laced with mournful undertones; like the memory of a past that's been lost. The tracks carry a certain sense of dream-like nostalgia, shown strongly in the haunting melody of 'Silent'. This particular track could fit quite snugly into the soundtrack of a traditional ghost story; recalling a tale of great sadness and loss. Daecaunt is joined on the CD by Felicyika who provides the female vocals.

Other tracks, such as 'The Lark and the Wind' carry a more upbeat, chant-like melody - rousing images of women dancing around a Beltane fire and reinforcing the theme of 'respect for creation'.

Other tracks that stand out are 'Nerius', an operatic piece which carries the same mournful tone: the voice is so unearthly in its beauty, it is almost as if she sings from the other side of a mirror or from the past itself. The female lead is joined with overlapping male voices, almost like a chorus of Medieval monks singing in the high ceilings of a cathedral. This Medieval feel is also found in the project's namesake track, 'Lucaifem'. Listen out, also, for 'Bida Fráuja', a Celtic-sounding piece with layers of wooden pipes and bagpipes.

The Lucaifem CD is available to buy from the Lucaifem website (link in sidebar) along with its accompanying artwork.

Daecaunt's artwork is split into several different collections, each collection with its own inspiration and purpose. This piece is 'In the Wake of Winter' from the Sentinel Collection, in which each image depicts a brief moment from the past, and each piece features the geographic co-ordinates of that event.

Daecaunt's artwork, of which he has sold over 230 pieces worldwide, is fuelled with the same deep meanings, experiences and passions as his music, presented "for the translation of others whom might understand them."

The Lucaifem Project website is filled with further information, including images of the many instruments Daecaunt plays, and the improvised sounds recorded into the CD such as pebbles, fire, wind and wine glasses. You can find out about his works in progress, including a novel and upcoming album 'Onyx Sun', and learn more about the inspirations behind his work. The whole project is absolutely fascinating, and well worth looking into, the artwork is stunning and the music thought provoking. If you're looking for something that goes a lot deeper than popular culture, then this may well be the end of your search.

Keller is EGL Magazine's editor. If you would like to have your band either reviewed or interviewed in EGL Magazine, just get in touch.