Throughout his career, Leech has become known for his focused artistry and distinctive vocals, both of which shine through in his dexterous solo material. Time spent in Donegal, a place of great significance to the Meath-based artist, provided inspiration for Cold Sea.
Collaboration has always been integral to Leech’s creative practice. On Cold Sea, he joined forces with Brooklyn-based musician Steve Gunn. The pair initially met whilst Leech was recording in New York; they stayed in touch and when Leech had garnered a considerable amount of material, he invited Gunn to make a record in Donegal.
On a summer’s morning in July, Leech and Gunn convened in an old sea-facing schoolhouse in Donegal which they transformed into a studio over a period of days, and got to work on Cold Sea’s nine cathartic compositions. The essence of Donegal’s expansive landscapes, both sublime and stark, is captured in the record’s instrumentation. Melding a palette of synth textures and warm guitar tones, Cold Sea creates an inviting and enveloping atmosphere.