The exploratory sonic investigation from An Explore brings together Rob Macdonald and Lucy Wilkins, united by instrumentalism and experimental methods of composition. The five tracks of 'One' are the result of field recordings helping find a natural musical course within. With Wilkins adding layer upon layer of violins and the occasional vocal to go with Macdonald's pianos and guitars, effects pedals became a key instrument in holding sound and aligning with the sympathies, enigmas and solitude of the record. Slowly shapeshifting through Fender Rhodes and violins, 'Pools With Living Things' chronicles evolving chords frozen into a chain of effects processors. Inspired by Japanese garden water musical devices, 'Small Drop (Suikinkutsu)' is as much as about the physical as the orchestrally solemn. "'Suikinkutsu' is where water is allowed to drip into a large earthenware jar onto water, creating beautiful sounds", explains Macdonald. "I created a version of Suikinkutsu by purchasing a large pot and tray from a garden centre and recorded the water as it dripped into the reservoir, selecting parts where the melody of the water splashing spoke loudest". 'Under A Bridge' captures moments of a canoe making its way across the Thames as keys wax and wane, twinkle and torment themselves. Out of the manipulation of Moog and Juno on 'Granite', Macdonald and Wilkins head to a Valencia rooftop for 'San Valero', the chimes from the Bells of San Valero in the district of Rusafa drifting across an early summer's evening, before the abrupt ending of the field recorder closes an EP both freeform and visibly outlined. A student of experimental composition and sonic art, Rob Macdonald has album credits to his name as part of Speeka (Ultimate Dilemma, Wah Wah 45s), the Tru Thoughts act Jumbonics, and as Gum Drop for Altered Vibes, on top of several other long players and compositions. A co-founder of London's influential hip-hop club Scratch, the scene for essential international underground hip-hop from the mid 90s onwards, Macdonald has also held DJ residences at Scala, The End and Fabric. Lucy Wilkins is a touring and recording violinist who has worked with Roxy Music, Massive Attack, Radiohead, Paul Weller, Tindersticks, Christina and the Queens and many more. She has recently arranged orchestral versions of classic Roxy Music songs alongside original members of the band.