The Science of the Lamps

The Science of the Lamps

The Science of the Lamps is a group from Washington, D.C., in the United States. It is described as a Liverpool-based trio and collaborative collective, with two Norwegian singer-songwriters and a sound-based electronic contributor shaping its music. The group’s line-up also includes Kaya, GretaCore and Ben Power, who work together on its audiovisual material.

Formation and early activity

The project is said to be discovered in Prague in December 2010, when Kaya finds it in a restaurant under a bone china cup. After that, the sounds are developed further through collaboration. The group has been performing since its first show at Liverpool Light Night in May.

Style and influences

The Science of the Lamps uses close vocal harmonies, children’s instruments and a playful approach. Its work draws on poetry, film scores, Norwegian folk music, rock, industrial sounds, nature, wine, flamenco, slam poetry, soul, folk, rhythm and blues, drum and bass, music boxes, metal, goth and whiskey. The group also aims to create audiovisual expressions of emotion and impression.

Performances and appearances

The group has played at festivals in Norway and at Standon Calling. It also appears at Matthew Street Fringe Festival, Sound City and PARK. Other performances include Studio2 Parr Street, the CUC Cinema, where it plays in front of or on the cinema screen, and the Kazimier Box Social event, presented as “Party like it’s 1899”.

Current line-up note

The group is presented as still searching for a cellist and “an orchestra of dreams”, suggesting an open and evolving collective structure rather than a fixed line-up.