Rachel Carson is the inspiration for Return to the sea. I’ve long felt a fascination with the ocean, while Ms. Carson made marine biology her vocation, writing an influential trilogy of monographs on oceanic ecology. She then took her passion to fight the chemical industry against the proliferation of synthetic pesticides.
Her activism consumed her later years, and led to establishing the modern environmental movement, even while she was secretly succumbing to cancer. While her love of the ocean is uplifting, struggles with industry and her health is a heavier topic.
To balance the serious part of Ms. Carson’s life, I have inserted an imaginary band of musical molluscs to honour her, intended to provide some relief. Return to the sea includes four songs based on serious poems about Ms. Carson, along with three mid-century latin-flavoured pieces “by” the molluscs.
To further round out the project, and provide continuity from previous Unthunk work, there is a post-rock instrumental piece, which the molluscs take credit for, plus three short pieces featuring modular synthesizer. One of these synth pieces is by special guest Giovanni Grandi, who has provided much guidance and inspiration in my synthesizer studies.
The project is scheduled for release on January 11, 2026 on Bandcamp, but here are the pieces, including lyrics for the songs.
LJ Mounteney, vocals
Holly Bryan, horn
Finn Manniche, ‘cello
Rebecca Tunnacliffe, keys
Buff Allen, drums
Special guest Giovanni Grandi, modular synthesizer, accordion