Exclusive album premiere of ‘Mana’ by Italian-born multi-instrumentalist Lili Refrain, out April 21 via Subsound Records.

Lili Refrain’s newest LP ‘Mana’ lives up to its title. A combination of Anna Von Hausswolff and ‘Burning World’-era Swans, following the words of Walter Hoeijmakers, the founder of Roadburn Festival.

<a href="https://lilirefrain.bandcamp.com/album/mana">Mana by LILI REFRAIN</a>

Each track is multifaceted and they all have a heft to them, a weight that translates well to Refrain’s multi-instrumentalist abilities. Commenting on the nature of the recording process Lili state: “‘Mana’ is an album totally different from anything I’ve ever done before. I felt the need to experiment with the use of new instruments and take a totally new path. Compared to my previous album ‘Mana’ is the most ritual in some ways”.

Refrain comments on the origin of the title saying: “It means “life force”, power that comes from within and is dedicated to those who have found themselves consciously facing a journey, without knowing where it would have arrived or even if it would have survived”. Using very few guitars, Lili Refrain has not only distanced herself from her comfort zone but also created a danceable feel focusing on arrangements and vocal techniques. However, the work on background sounds was very deliberate , as Lili notices: “Stefano Morabito, the engineer and the owner of 16th Cellar Studio in Rome welcomed me in his studio and had been following me throughout the production”.

“Spontaneous” is probably the best description of creating the record that became ‘Mana’. “I felt the need to experiment”. – says Lili about the current evolutions and changes in her “innergaze”. Starting with Ichor, Sangoma and Mami Wata, Lili Refrain has been going down the path of rediscovering herself as an artist and performer. Combining both heavy synths sounds and operatic heights. Pairing Taiko drum sounds of Mami Wata with her trilling and whispering, Lili Refrain manages to create a chanting and ritualistic experience.

Lili Refrain will be performing ‘Mana’ in its entirety on April 21st at Roadburn festival followed by an extensive European tour that would include performances at Hellfest (FR), Rock in Burlon (FR), AMFest (SP)and DUNK! Fest (BE).

“I am very honored to take part in one of the most important festivals in Europe and present my album in absolute preview right there is a supreme joy for me! I’m preparing a very special set for this event and can’t wait to be there”!

Headline photo: Tania Alineri

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