Live at Ormside

CD edition of Crystabel Efemena Riley ‘Live at Ormside’ with mastering by Taku Unami, comes in a digisleeve case with photos by Crystabel Efemena Riley.

Infant Tree is excited to present a new solo release by Crystabel Efemena Riley, recorded In July 2024 at Ormside Projects, as part of Susu Laroche’s Seraph FM series. Crystabel performs on a kit constructed of recycled skins of drums and shells, specifically centered in the space. This performance inter-connected with an exploration of metal smelting and sculpting that was happening in tandem in her work as a make-up artist uniquely preoccupied with the the infinitely recyclable and ritualistic nature of these materials. This later overlaps into the sonic space. Listening to the recording, the crossing rhythms ricochet from skin to speaker, creating complex and exciting patterns. The materiality of the instrument feels totally entwined in the audio, with the space, the sound system and everyone in it.

Crystabel’s interest in patterns on skins — human and drum, started during the late noughties when she toured Japan and Europe using drums, make-up and electronics in power-noise/post-club trio Maria and the Mirrors. Her interest in dimensional patterns existing on (and off) different surfaces has continued to evolve through exploring the idea of ‘care and uncare’ of various skin surfaces.

Crystabel has been a long-term collaborator with Sue Lynch who welcomed her into the Horse Improvised Music Club and later played in the London Improvisers Orchestra. She is currently working on the multi-format project @xcrswx with Seymour Wright who’s last release was a split vinyl with Lolina. She also performs as part of the X-Ray Hex Tet with Edward George, Pat Thomas, Billy Steiger, Paul Abbott and Seymour Wright, who released an album on Reading Group in 2024.