Her Stems Spiral is an avant-garde/shoegaze project started by Shannon Lawlor of the Johannesburg based post-rock band Eyes Likes Mirrors. It was created as an entity to explore the realms of experimental and unconventional song-writing.

Dreams, or the unconscious mind played a major role in the development of this release. Lyrics range from stories of the past, to mother nature’s revenge, and even some self-reflection. Shannon’s first effort titled “Princess Poured Out The Pale Winter Moon” was recorded in a small independent studio called MoonSwing, in Johannesburg, South Africa, from mid 2012 – early 2013 using a single condenser microphone, and limited to hardware/software. All vocals and instruments were written and composed on the spot in studio, as an experiment to conduct the relationship between the subconscious subliminal influence and the unconscious fantasies of the mind.

This EP is textual, flowing and if, as claimed, it was written in the studio whilst recording it is not apparent. It seems very well thought out albeit chaotic, I particularly enjoy how most of the tracks fade out in unexpected places. If you don’t watch the play bar (which i didn’t) the end of each track creeps up on you leaving you wanting more.

Give it a listen, a download, a chance, it may not be your thing musically but conceptually it is a uniquely captivating piece of art, which we can all appreciate.