By Seby D’Souza
One of many things I’ve come to love about the Aberdonian arts scene is the reverence for the city’s history while supporting efforts that are more contemporary leaning. Nowhere have I seen this better exemplified than in Fiona Soe Paing’s Sand, Silt, Flint, hosted at the Lemon Tree on February 28th. Aberdeen Performing Arts description of the performance as “electro alt-folk” was one that piqued my interest, and I’d like to thank them for providing press tickets for this review.
The show opened with some folk songs and ballads performed by Tripple, a family acapella trio. Their charisma and chemistry on stage was heartwarming, and I couldn’t help but wear a smile throughout their set. While their act worked wonderfully as a warm up for Paing, the nature of performing on stage in a spotlight worked against them in my opinion. It felt obvious that they were better suited to performing in less formal environments, and I know they’d bring the house down at a folk jam. While trad songs lean towards the simpler side of compositions in the modern day, Tripple’s manipulations of pulse helped to add a more contemporary take, which was much appreciated and something I’d like to see from them more going forwards. Layered with their gorgeous harmonies in a mix of Scottish dialects Tripple could really take their performance to the next level.
After a short interval, Paing’s 40-minute epic began. The moment she glided onto the stage draped in a stunning dress and matching headpiece (designed by April Pressley), she set the tone for the show. Each piece was blended with the crackle of vinyl, making for a seamless, cinematic experience that was so easy to get lost in. Alongside this were the visuals, which would show the locations that Paing took inspiration from in her arrangements and original compositions. The map took us on a journey through time across the north east of Scotland, telling tales through songs of the region. The product of this is every part as haunting as it is immersive.
Storytelling aside, the production of the work was impeccable. Originally released as an album in late 2022, Paing is touring with Sand, Silt, Flint following critical reception. While I would have loved to see the performance with live musicians, the omission of all but Paing herself was a bold choice that paid off, allowing for a more fluid viewing and listening experience. While the show wasn’t to my specific music taste, to deny its sheer artistry would be criminal. Paing and her team’s use of mixed media to induce a meditative state created a sense of time dilation that had the audience hanging on every word.
In hindsight, the label of “electro alt-folk” accurately describes the show, but neglects its avant-garde sensibility. Closing the night with one final tune, Paing and Tripple led the crowd in song, inspiring a sense of community and pride for the North East of Scotland.
