The Latvian avant-folklore outfit Merope is the band around the Latvian singer Indré Jurgelevičiūtė, the gitarist/sound wizard Bert Cools and Christophe Bonnafous on bansuri (an Indian bamboo fluit; yes, we also had to google it). For years, they have been experimenting with elements from Indian music, ambient and indie.
Merope recently, has been one of the highlights of 2021. With the fourth album, ‘Salos’, which was released on the renowed labels STROOM & Granvat, the three-piece worked together with The Vilnius Chamber Choir and friends like Kjartan Sveinsson, in a previous life part of Sigur Ròs. On the record, we hear the Kanklės, a Latvian zither, combined with the beautiful harmonies of a Latvian choir and sober, warm electronics.
We couldn’t imagine a better spot for this concert than the central church at Kunsthal Gent, the old Caemerklooster. The space is built for the dreamy sounds of Merope. Surrounded by amazing art by, among others, Martin Belou (FR), this will be an experience to never forget.
"Salos is a colorful archipelago where voices are beautifully intertwined with atmospheric soundscapes that continue to enchant. This record is a must for your end-of-the-year-list.” - Klara
"It's glowing, ethereal music; gossamer-fine, but swirling with emotional heft." - The Wire
Tickets: https://bit.ly/3AA0dRt (€11 presage + reservation / €14 doors)