The hypnotic rhythm of a bullet-train journey from Tokyo to Kyoto is a highlight of the long-awaited latest album by John Lambert from Dublin. Lambert has been creating serene instrumental music under the pseudonym Chequerboard for quite some time.
After an 11-year gap, his album Souvenir comes highly anticipated and is well worth the wait. Lambert takes a unique stance by not pushing his music excessively, which contains elements of electro-acoustic, minimalist, and post-classical styles. Much like his music, he allows it to casually navigate the fringes of mainstream approval. This approach might suggest a destiny of obscurity, poverty, and discontent, though this is not correct, as Chequerboard has racked up over 22 million Spotify listens.
Lambert likens his music to a Japanese garden. The tracks on Souvenir, like his past work, are meticulously crafted and immaculate. Together with co-producer Stephen Shannon—who also performed mixing, engineering, and mastering duties—Lambert creates a soundtrack that triggers forgotten memories or serene recollections, inferred from the tranquil tone of the music. Imagination could conjure up influences from Steve Reich (particularly his 1989 album, Different Trains), Durutti Column, Cocteau Twins, and Vangelis. Tracks like Vermilion, Imperial Finery, The Art of Friendship, A Story on a Decorative Plate, and The Raised Glass capture a woven tapestry of sound centred around skillfully strummed and delicately executed acoustic guitar.
In essence, Souvenir is a stunning masterpiece from an artist who takes his time, caring little for attention-seeking press coverage. Attach a face to the name at the album’s launch by John Lambert/Chequerboard, scheduled for Saturday, 9th March, 8pm at Dublin’s Pepper Canister Church. Surely, it’s time to look skywards and express gratitude?