‘Solan Goose’ is the first solo recording from multi-instrumentalist Erland Cooper, also of The Magnetic North and previously Erland & The Carnival. Having grown up on the Scottish archipelago of Orkney, he wrote this work as a response to ease anxiety and claustrophobia working in a city.

It explores the borders between electronic, alternative and classical music while creating for him and the listener a work of balance and calm - a kind of liminal space. Each song is entitled with a bird name but in local ‘Orcadian’ dialect. It’s a record to travel to, and evokes themes of migration, restoration and childhood memory.

Orkney is rich in folklore, music, myth and mythology with strong Scandinavian influences. These are echoed and layered throughout the album’s arrangements.

Solan Goose is the first release on the new Phases imprint (a sister label to AllPoints, the in-house label of Believe Distribution Services) whose aim is to focus on new instrumental works, pulling together artists with significant creative individuality that bring a unique perspective to contemporary music.

“Absolutely beautiful.” - Mary Anne Hobbs

“Reminiscent of work by Ólafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm and some of Sigur Ros’ quieter output, full of delicate piano motifs and sweeping strings” - The Skinny

“Amazing track. Will Burns Rethink. Really powerful stuff. Fascinating artist, his ideas are brilliant and really looking forward to see where he’s going with this new album.” - Stephen McCauley

“I’ve been a fan of Erland’s music for a while and this is a welcome track!” - Vic Galloway