CAVS release video for “First Light” song
Michael Cavanagh, the drummer of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, has long been known for his impeccable rhythmic skills in one of the music industry’s most innovative bands. However, with the upcoming release of his second solo album, ‘Sojourn,’ Cavanagh takes a step into the spotlight without uttering a single word.
The recently unveiled track, “First Light,” serves as a sneak peek into the album, set to be released on April 24 under the p(doom) label. The track lives up to its title, evoking a sense of early morning tranquility as if the world is awakening to a new day’s possibilities. Unlike the high-energy chaos that defines King Gizzard’s sound, CAVS’ solo work is characterized by patience, atmosphere, and an undeniable influence from spiritual jazz and Krautrock genres that have left a lasting impact on his musical journey.
Cavanagh crafted ‘Sojourn’ meticulously, despite not being a proficient player of melodic instruments. Through early demos built from sampled bass, drums, and synthesizers, he laid the foundation for the album before enlisting the talents of Melbourne-based musicians like Jim Rindfleish (Mildlife), Adam Halliwell on flute and guitar, Siwei Wong on harp, Archibald Pommelhorse on saxophone, and his King Gizzard bandmate Joey Walker on bass. The recording sessions merged structured performances with spontaneous improvisations, resulting in a cohesive and vibrant body of work.
Although the influences of genre legends like Herbie Hancock, Alice Coltrane, and Tony Williams are evident in ‘Sojourn,’ Cavanagh’s album never sounds pedantic or derivative. Instead, it is a testament to his deep-rooted appreciation for these genres, culminating in a unique sonic statement that is distinctly his own. Interested listeners can now pre-order the album to experience this musical journey firsthand.
“Sojourn” consists of ten instrumental tracks that transport listeners to an immersive auditory landscape:
1. “Victoria Amazonica”
2. “Emerald Nile”
3. “First Light”
4. “Silk Road”
5. “Boitatá”
6. “Death Bat”
7. “Paititi”
8. “Candiru”
9. “The Seeker”
10. “The Keeper”
To celebrate the release of ‘Sojourn,’ CAVS is set to perform live at the Thornbury Theatre on May 22 alongside GlyconicNaarm/Melbourne, offering fans a chance to experience his music in a dynamic and captivating setting.
With ‘Sojourn,’ Michael Cavanagh steps beyond the confines of his role as a drummer and emerges as a multifaceted artist ready to explore new sonic territories on his own terms. His creative evolution and musical vision shine through each track, inviting listeners to embark on a captivating journey of sound and emotion that transcends traditional boundaries.