‘Cosmic Lark’ by Lyrella is an instrumental collaboration conceived/directed by Cheryl Stringall (Sunn Creative) and co-written and produced by Tony Lowe (ESP Project) of eight compositions and musical interludes, largely improvised with rhythmic, atmospheric, and melodic features. A unique and mysterious musical journey, each digital composition also features original artwork by Cheryl. With nods to prog, electronic, alternative rock, and progressive sound-track music, ‘Cosmic Lark’ is woven throughout by Tony’s soulful guitar playing, haunting keyboards with additional percussion by Cheryl. Approx 54 min.
“Cosmic Lark is an ingenious and fascinating cascade of musical imagination which frolics on the shores of jovial creativity and delights in the symphonic treasures it playfully presents to the listener. It is the richest of orchestral feasts, fashioned with deeply nuanced finesse and served with inventive elegance. From start to finish, it is utterly spellbinding.” -Rob Fisher – The Progressive Aspect – Full Review
“On Progressive Discoveries – Dr. Rob Fisher, returns to take us on a voyage of Progressive Discovery with the debut album by the Cheryl Stringall and Tony Lowe project Lyrella!”
Stream or purchase on Bandcamp. Each digital composition features original artwork by Cheryl. A series of limited edition original gift cards by Cheryl, featuring selected art from the compositions is also available while supplies last. Also on Amazon Music and iTunes. Download Press Release
“There is now little doubt that I seem to have an unshakable connection with the music of multi-instrumentalist Tony Lowe, as I own all of his ESP Project albums as well as all its offshoots, which now includes this new 2025 stunner. Together with Sunn Creative owner Cheryl Stringall on percussion, who also doubles as a visual artist in terms of luxuriant paintings and top-notch packaging, Tony sets the sails into a more electronic-tinged, modern interpretation that still refuses to not shy away from sweeping melodies and orchestrations … Entrancing” -Prog Rogue/5-Stars – Full review here.
“Lyrella is Tony Lowe and Cheryl Stringall and ‘Cosmic Lark’ is their uplifting new album. Lowe’s guitars and keyboards create widescreen soundscapes and captivating melodies, familiar to all ESP-Project watchers, and Stringall brightens up the programmed rhythms with added percussion. Like all Sunn Creative releases, the packaging is gorgeous and the limited-edition CD comes with additional original artwork by Stringall, tying in with the moods conjured by the album’s 8 tracks.” -Gareth Page/Prog Blog
“Cosmic Lark is a spellbinding musical experience which lures you into gorgeous melodic soundscapes and embraces you with the most delightful symphonic textures. From the very beginning, the music mesmerises and enthrals in equal measure.” –Rob Fisher
“A superb album of instrumental prog from the ESP Project/Sunn Creative stable” –Shaun Geraghty/The Prog Mill
“I love this album” -Peter Coyle
“The beautiful Lyrella album has such great atmospheres, it’s almost cinematic! The positive vibe of the album is great and the album artwork as well as the bonus cards are beautiful.” -Aad
“Cosmic Lark is amazing! It just arrived to me today on the US west coast. I am loving it!” -Wes
“The cover and gift card art is gorgeous – completely in tune with the hypnotic, swirling, pulsating rhythms and melodies of the album. Fantastic all round.” –Indie
“Cosmic Lark, by Lyrella. I love this album, it is ‘heart and soul’ infectious and as innovative as heck. I love its driving, emotive feel and grooves, haunting hooks and otherworldly soundscapes. It has an uncanny ability to reveal new nuances and layers on every listen. Cheryl Stringall’s percussive interplay is magical. Tony Lowe’s guitar work weaves its spell. Atmospheric, rhythmic and rocky it exudes warmth and curiosity – you can lose yourself in the music – an enchanting album all round. Favorite track: Caves of Silver.” -Alison
Cheryl Stringall, aka String, hails from an artistic/musical California family and began drawing colourful mandalas around age five, playing guitar and singing at twelve, also as a teen taking up percussion and then later revisiting keyboards during lockdown in 2020. Cheryl is the owner of the Sunn Creative indie imprint label with over one-hundred, 4-4.5 out of 5-star reviews for numerous releases by the music press. She is the graphic artist/photographer, and designer for most albums and as the label manager, photographer, videographer, and content creator worked with musicians Mark Brzezicki (Big Country), David Cross (King Crimson), Peter Coyle (The Lotus Eaters), Simon Townshend/Roger Daltrey (The Who) David Jackson (Van der Graaf Generator). Played keyboards live in 2022 for ESP Project gigs with Tony Lowe and Peter Coyle featuring the album ‘Anarchic Curves’ and plays on some of the later ESP Project albums as well as varied percussion on ‘Cosmic Lark’. She now lives in the UK. https://linktr.ee/stringall
Tony Lowe is a multi-instrumentalist and has composed and produced many different genres of music, including nine highly acclaimed ESP Project albums. Besides producing all the Sunn Creative releases, he worked with Roger Daltrey, Modern English, Pet Shop Boys, Julian Lennon, Julien Clerc (France), Mark Brzezicki (Big Country), Peter Coyle (The Lotus Eaters). As well as playing on many recordings at Trident Studios London, he developed artists and artist material for various publishers and record labels, including Island Records, Red Bus Records, and Hannah Management. He produced albums for David Cross & Robert Fripp (King Crimson); David Cross & Peter Banks which included Pat Mastelotto, Tony Kaye, Billy Sherwood, Randy Raine-Reusch, Oliver Wakeman, Jay Schellen, Jeremy Stacey, Geoff Downes (Yes); Toyah; Simon Townshend (The Who) and many more. Tony Lowe’s background and discography is on his website.
Cosmic Lark is dedicated to the memory of Pamela Stringall and Patty Harden, whose enthusiasm for life, and strength of spirit influenced the compositions. They both passed on during its creation and are greatly missed.