Richard Moult & David Colohan - Hexameron

Review by Trevor Haldenby

Hexameron, the collaborative album by Richard Moult and David Colohan, is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the intersection between traditional folk music and experimental ambient sounds. Drawing on the mystical and mythological elements of their respective cultural backgrounds (Moult hails from Cornwall, while Colohan is from Ireland), the duo creates a sonic landscape that is at once ancient and modern.

The album takes its name from a medieval collection of six pieces for solo piano, each composed by a different musician, which together tell the story of creation. Hexameron, the album, similarly weaves together six tracks, each with its own distinct character and mood. From the mournful, elegiac strains of "The Dead Queen of Scotland" to the hypnotic, trance-like rhythms of "The Great Wheel", each piece is a journey into a different aspect of the human experience.

At times, the album feels like a soundtrack to a forgotten ritual or ceremony, with its use of chimes, bells, and other percussive elements evoking the sounds of ancient instruments. At other times, it feels like a meditation on the natural world, with field recordings of birds and other wildlife woven into the fabric of the music. Throughout, Moult and Colohan demonstrate a remarkable ability to create a sense of atmosphere and mood that is both immersive and deeply affecting.

Summary by Trevor Haldenby

Hexameron is a remarkable achievement, a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability of music to transcend time and place. Whether you are a fan of folk, ambient, or experimental music, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression. Highly recommended.