Lash Marash

Lash Marash spent years travelling the world and honing his skills in classic hippie hang-out areas like Ibiza, Goa and Koh Phangan. In the early 2000’s Lash discovered a new instrument, developed in Switzerland, known as the ‘handpan,’ and was instantly enthralled.

“I knew when I first heard this incredible instrument that I had to have one, the ethereal sound, both percussive & melodic in equal measures, just called out to me.”
Lash Marash

Known by many names including the hangdrum, hang, pantam, metal drum and space drum, the handpan resembles a small dented flying saucer– fitting, as the sound it produces is truly other-worldly.

Marash pulled up to TT Liquor in the afternoon in a car loaded full of drums, five in total, each with their own stands and individual mic setup. Fitting all this percussion into the Cellar Bar’s modest performance space was something of a feat in itself but with the help of TT Head of Music Chris P Cuts, Lash was able to squeeze his entire setup into the area with just enough room for him to slide in behind it.

The Cellar opened its doors at 5pm and a steady flow of guests began to fill the front section of the bar, sipping cocktails and eagerly awaiting the beginning of Lash’s set. Chris kicked things off with a line-up of suitably atmospheric records, focussing on a set of instrumental music, mixing tracks from around the world with distinct and unusual structures and sounds, preparing the audience for a unique experience.

Around 7pm, the back area of the Cellar Bar opened and the sizable crowd began positioning themselves ready for Lash Marash’s performance to begin. As Lash got going, the mesmerising sound of the handpan reverberated around the room with a commanding, trance-like presence. The handpan supposedly resonates at a healing frequency and the energy of the room reflected this with the audience quietly enthralled by its alien tones.

Between pieces, Lash took the time to explain more about the origins and history of the handpan and how he came to have such an affinity with it, his calm and carefully chosen words echoing the same hypnotic energy as his music.

Lash’s performance was insightful, informative and enchanting and set a precedent for future Live Sessions to keep shining a light on unknown and unusual instruments, sounds and artists.