Tripla: A Journey Through Memory and Music

Birth of Tripla

Tripla emerged from the echoes of memory, a project initiated by Miki Berenyi, the frontwoman of the iconic band Lush. Following the release of her memoir, Fingers Crossed: How Music Saved Me From Success, in 2022, Berenyi anticipated a wave of requests to perform at her readings. However, recreating the ethereal sound of Lush’s dreamy shoegaze was no simple task. To navigate this challenge, she formed a makeshift trio with bassist Oliver Cherer and guitarist KJ “Moose” McKillop. Their initial performances, accompanied by a drum machine, paved the way for original compositions, culminating in the release of Tripla, the debut album of the Mika Berenyi Trio.

Musical Essence of Tripla

Tripla resonates with the essence of Lush while simultaneously carving out a distinct musical identity. Berenyi’s signature soprano remains intact, yet the trio’s sound explores a playful range of genres and moods. Unburdened by past collaborations, particularly with Lush cofounder Emma Anderson, Berenyi and her bandmates traverse various sonic landscapes with an adventurous spirit. The album flirts with dream pop, but its lyrics root it firmly in the present, capturing the fraught feelings that accompany waking life rather than the serene slumber of nostalgia.

Exploration of Themes

Throughout the album, Berenyi deftly navigates themes of memory and loss. The track “8th Deadly Sin,” penned by McKillop, stands out as a poignant reflection on environmental collapse. With a backdrop of Berenyi’s 12-string guitar, the song juxtaposes sorrowful lyrics about “plastic lives” against a relentless electronic pulse, mirroring the distraction that pervades contemporary life. The result is a hauntingly beautiful meditation on decay, resonating with a sense of longing for what has been lost.

Musical Diversity

Tripla showcases a rich tapestry of musical influences. The track “Hurricane” bounces along a Madchester groove, while “Ubique” introduces a plucky marimba reminiscent of the exotic sounds explored in Moose’s previous work on Live a Little Love a Lot. In “A Different Girl,” Berenyi reflects on the passage of time with the lyrics, “My once upon a time is melting in the air,” offering a bittersweet promise of hope: “Your once upon a time is coming.” The song’s bossa nova rhythm juxtaposes this sincerity with an undercurrent of melancholy, further emphasizing the complexity of Berenyi’s lyrical narratives.

Conclusion

Tripla is more than just an album; it is a thoughtful exploration of memory, time, and the emotional landscape that accompanies both. Miki Berenyi and her trio create a sound that honors the past while embracing the present, resulting in a collection of songs that resonate with both beauty and sadness. As listeners, we are invited to reflect on our own narratives, making Tripla a compelling and relatable journey through the complexities of life.

FAQs

What inspired Miki Berenyi to create Tripla?

Miki Berenyi was inspired to create Tripla after the release of her memoir, which led her to perform at readings and explore new musical avenues with her bandmates.

How does Tripla differ from Lush’s music?

While Tripla respects the sound of Lush, it diverges by exploring a wider range of genres and moods, focusing on contemporary themes rather than nostalgia.

What are some key themes in Tripla?

Key themes in Tripla include memory, loss, and the passage of time, particularly in relation to environmental issues and personal reflections.

Who are the members of the Mika Berenyi Trio?

The Mika Berenyi Trio consists of Miki Berenyi on vocals and guitar, Oliver Cherer on bass, and KJ “Moose” McKillop on guitar.

What is the overall mood of the album Tripla?

The overall mood of Tripla balances beauty and melancholy, capturing a sense of longing while addressing present-day concerns.