The majestic sound of church organs echoes through the ages, but it's a melody that's rapidly fading into silence. In a bold bid to preserve this sonic treasure trove, Canadian musician Michael Cloud Duguay and his team embarked on an epic solar-powered expedition across Newfoundland, capturing the haunting beauty of these once-mighty instruments.
With 'Kingdom Come, Kingdom Go' – a breathtaking album that's part elegiac music, part audio documentary – Duguay has woven a sonic tapestry that will leave you breathless. From the eerie silence of a long-abandoned church to the lively chatter of congregants, every sound is meticulously recorded and lovingly presented. This is no mere collection of organ music; it's a poignant snapshot of Canada's cultural heritage, one that demands to be heard.
In Aguathuna, a tiny town where the team was initially told they'd struck out – the local church had no organ, or so they thought – a teenage volunteer proved the doubters wrong. Behind a dusty balcony in Our Lady of Mercy Church, an electronic organ lay hidden, its wires tangled beneath hymnals and nativity figures, unused since the 1990s.
As Duguay's team plugged in their microphones and powered it up, the organ roared back to life with a wavering, sputtering note that sent shivers down their spines. This was 'Pond 1', the album's opening track – an unforgettable moment of rebirth, as if a sleeping giant had awoken from its slumber.
It's no coincidence that Duguay describes this experience as 'sacred' and 'incredible'. As he navigates the blurred lines between faith and art, his passion shines through in every track. His team has given voice to these fading instruments, but also to the communities they've nourished for generations.