Li Yilei is not interested in being defined. When they began to properly garner attention on Métron records, via 之 / Of , many expected – to put it bluntly – a Chinese spin on “the Meitei” sound, but Li displayed little desire to be captured in such a corner. It defied expectations, even in spite of its own ambient leanings.
Now, they’re set to return, via LTR Records, with an album entitled Secondary Self. As a first offering from the LP, they’ve shared “Murmur”, whose extended length gradually creeps from electronic elements into simultaneous whale song and bird chirps, then gives further way to ominous whispers – in other hands, it may feel heavy-handed, but in Li Yilei’s, it’s nearly haunting.
Check it out below, and look out for Secondary Self come August 26th.
