Here we have 16 minutes of new music from Jacco Gardner out June 14th. Listen to Side A, Fading Cosmos, now.
Jacco follows up 2018’s sonically adventurous, instrumental album “Somnium” with a new 16 minute EP “Fading Cosmos.” Written and recorded during the “Somnium” sessions in Lisbon, Portugal, Jacco looks to the stars once again for inspiration. Where Somnium was deeply influenced by Kepler and his stargazing innovations, Fading Cosmos asks “what’s next?”
Korg synths bubble and fizz, basslines carry the groove and a beautifully picked acoustic guitar line comes together to bring to mind the work of Michael Rother and Conrad Schnitzler but with the lightness of one of Jacco’s big inspirations – The two tracks were mastered by Simon Heyworth (Eno, Oldfield, King Crimson) and are cut at 45rpm on black vinyl.
Jacco Gardner is a baroque pop multi instrumentalist. He creates a unique sound by combining the sounds of harpsichord, strings, flutes and other classical instruments with raw psychedelic effects.
Dutch indie rocker Pip Blom and her band are preparing to release their debut album Boat, out on May 31 via Heavenly Recordings / PIAS. After a searing showing at SXSW last month (their first set of U.S. dates), the band have shared the video for “Ruby,” premiering exclusively at Paste.
After 2018’s solid Paycheck EP and recent single “Daddy Issues,” the 22 year-old singer/songwriter’s new song “Ruby” is another rapturous gem of post-punk adjacent indie rock. With clamoring guitars and vocals that range from sassy to melancholic to euphoric, “Ruby” embodies the ephemeral rush of joy you get from a gentle beachside breeze.
Set on the seaside, the music video captures Blom visiting a UFO hypnotherapist after catching a glimpse of something eerie. The video’s director Raymond van Mil said of the cryptic clip, “We made a few jumps in our imagination, and we were explicitly not trying to explain or illustrate the lyrics. We started with flamingos. Apparently there are two distinct families standing some 20 meters apart on one exact place in Zeeland/the Netherlands. We went there and were in amazement, it looked so alien in the Dutch landscape. From there the UFO story unfolded and was fun. Was it a dream? A memory? A documentary? Only Pip knows.”
Ruby, Video by Raymond Van Mill. Shot on analog film, Super 8 – Kodak Ektachrome / Kodak TriX
‘Ruby’ taken from ‘Boat’ LP out 31st May on Heavenly Records.
“Somnium” is a nod to the novel of the same name, written in 1608 by Johannes Kepler and is regarded as the first ever science fiction novel. “This book fascinates me because it was basically Kepler travelling in his mind to a non-existent world while describing it, and his journey, with amazing detail. Many of his imagined sensations are actually really what happens when one travels into space, which happened almost four hundred years later. You could call it a vision of the future through his dreams, and I find this aspect very mysterious and powerful.”
This form of mind travel is what Jacco has set out to create in a sonic, almost alchemic, capacity. Hence the reason for his vocals to be left out of this spiritual journey. “I deliberately removed my voice from the experience, as it made it more difficult for me to achieve the intended state of mind. I think it makes the journey more interesting, more deep, and more intimate. I didn’t feel the need to show my face while one drifts away into thought. Somnium is a visionary experience. The album is more than just a trip, it is about contact with a deeper – hidden – reality.”
If the concepts behind this record sound otherworldly and intricately woven then Jacco has also succeeded in making a record that does the same. Analogue synths hum and glide pristinely, bass lines dance buoyantly, dense atmospheres build and form and thoughtfully crafted melodies come and go, floating around as though in space. There are nods to early pioneers of such dreamlike ambience and cosmic exploration – Bo Hansson, Vangelis, Cluster, Tangerine Dream, Eno and Oldfield (the album was mastered by Simon Heyworth whose production credits include the latter three, including Tubular Bells) – but it also exists as a futuristic pursuit, one that is chasing something ahead as well as exploring the past. This is because to Jacco both are equally valid. “The past has always felt very much alive to me and so full of mystery that I have to conclude that the present and the future are probably no different.”
Now living in Lisbon and immersed in literature, cinema, philosophy and with new winding streets to wander, Gardner’s ideal listening scenario is to take the album for a walk yourselves, consume it complete and without interruption. “Somnium could be seen as a tribute to the album, a dying format in today’s fast-paced society. It can often be difficult to enjoy a meaningful uninterrupted moment. This album is where true mystery and wonder is waiting to be discovered.”
Jacco Gardner has announced his new album “Somnium” for release on 23rd November.
Gardner has been known to create swirling psychedelic pop boosted by his rich, resonate and baroque voice but on his third album, his vocals are gone and in their place is an equally seamless melodic exploration but an instrumental one, with a synthesized occult edge. Somnium is a nod to the novel of the same name, written in 1608 by Johannes Kepler and is regarded as the first ever science fiction novel. “This book fascinates me because it was basically Kepler travelling in his mind to a non-existent world while describing it, and his journey, with amazing detail.”
This form of mind travel is what Jacco has set out to create in a sonic, almost alchemic, capacity. Hence the reason for his vocals being left out of this spiritual journey. “I deliberately removed my voice from the experience, as it made it more difficult for me to achieve the intended state of mind. I think it makes the journey more interesting, more deep, and more intimate. I didn’t feel the need to show my face while one drifts away into thought. Somnium is a visionary experience. The album is more than just a trip, it is about contact with a deeper – hidden – reality.”
Now living in Lisbon and immersed in literature, cinema, philosophy and with new winding streets to wander, Gardner’s ideal listening scenario is to take the album for a walk yourselves, consume it complete and without interruption.
“Somnium could be seen as a tribute to the album, a dying format in today’s fast-paced society. It can often be difficult to enjoy a meaningful uninterrupted moment. This album is where true mystery and wonder is waiting to be discovered.”
Jacco has plans to bring Somnium on the road early next year and promises to be the perfect accompaniment to this exceptional listening experience.
FINAL line-up for Grauzone Festival 2018! Several amazing acts added a.o. The Soft Moon, Official: Lydia Lunch & Weasel Walter – Brutal Measures, Cocaine Piss, The Myrrors, Ulrika Spacek, hackedepicciotto, Sally Dige, unit moebius & Volition Immanent, A unique line-up feat. more than 20 of the best and most exciting, cutting edge and classic acts incl several exclusive performances, a symposium, an exhibition, a movie, DJs, a pre party and more!
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tickets: http://bit.ly/2AWT6SX
Event: http://bit.ly/2mf7lv4
Preparty: http://bit.ly/2kM3XbQ
Legendary industrial & electronic pioneers Cabaret Voltaire Official will perform a rare exclusive show at Grauzone Festival 2018. One of the most influential acts of the last 40 years, they paved the way for Depeche Mode, New Order, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails and dance, techno, dub, etc. Now consisting of founder Richard H. Kirk, the show will feature -analog- machines, cassettes, multi-screen projections and new material which promises to be a unique experience
Cocaine Piss from Luik/Liège have been ripping up stages with their fast, effective, aggressive live shows. In no time these noise punks have become a cult band, and are even called ”the future of Belgian music”. Think of Bikini Kill, The Slits and riot grlll. Their album The Dancer (2016) was recorded by legend Steve Albini (pixies, nirvana). They will play Best Kept Secret Festival and other big fests later this year but this is your chance to see them in an intimate setting where they will surely blow you away!
Drab Majesty fantastic album ”The Demonstration” was chosen as post-punk album of the year 2017. They blend classic 80s New Wave, goth and early 4AD with a futuristic originality. This is one of the best new darkwave, gothic dreampop, shoegaze bands around and their only Dutch show. This is a must see!
Hypnotic, psychedelic, desert drone krautrock: The Myrrors from Arizona! Their 4th album Hasta La Victoria (2017) is a ”masterpiece” (said influential online magazine CVLT Nation) and their spacey live shows are a huge experience! ”The raddest psych band you will hear today” (cvlt nation).
Held in the Dutch city of Groningen for the 32nd edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag. Rightly heralded as Europe’s most prestigious event for breaking new acts, this year’s festival will once again provide maximum exposure to around 400 artists from across the continent over the course of its four days. As with previous years, the festival will also host the European Border Breakers (EBBA) alongside the European Festival Awards. With so many acts to choose from, you are unsurprisingly spoiled for choice here’s the best acts you should be particularly excited about seeing.
HMLTD ( Thursday 18h January @ 23:45)
The six-piece HMLTD, whose origins lie somewhere between the UK, Greece and France, have arrived as one of the most confounding acts to appear on the London scene in recent memory. With equally galvanizing music and visuals, stories of chaotic and incendiary live shows to packs of mosh-pitting followers and compatriots, as well as art installations where the lines between performers and audience are ever-blurred, this is not ‘just another’ band.
Blackberries (Wednesday 17th, All Round Poolcentrum @ 20:45)
Hailing from the city of Solingen in Germany, Blackberries make elegant psychedelic rock that fluctuates between melodic pop and freeform jams, often in the same pieces of music. Second album Greenwich Mean Time came out in 2016 and despite forming in 2009, they’re still relatively unknown outside of their native city. We suspect that will change very soon.
Pale Waves (Friday 19th January ESNS PLAY 21:20)
Pale Waves from Manchester are Heather (vocals, guitar), Ciara (drums), Hugo (guitar) and Charlie (bass). After spending the last couple of years touring and writing, the band released their debut single ‘There’s a Honey’ in early 2017. The foursome followed up with two more singles, reflecting their ability to write well polished indie pop songs that have left fans begging for a debut LP. Pale Waves could be the biggest band of the year
Canshaker Pi (Thursday 18th, Heerenhuis @ 23:20)
This time last year Canshaker Pi proved to be one of the highlights of Eurosonic Noorderslag. Having already enraptured none other than Stephen Malkmus who produced their debut album, they’ve gradually established themselves as one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the Dutch underground in years.
Her self-released singles have notched up millions of streams and views, and she went on the road in the fall for her first headline tour as well as supporting Tash Sultana and Lewis Capaldi. 23-year-old Londoner Freya Ridings showcased her enchanting voice and unique talent on the piano with debut single ‘Blackout’. Follow-up ‘Maps,’ a spine-tingling cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs classic, earned her major support from Spotify through New Music Friday and other major playlist additions.
Hater (Thursday 18th, Huis De Beurs @ 20:00)
Malmö is becoming something of an indie rock hotbed having first unearthed Fews a couple of years ago. Following hot on their heels are Hater, a four-piece led by the inimitable Caroline Landahl whose vocal stylings fall somewhere in between Molly Rankin of Alvvays and Annelotte De Graaf, better known as the brains behind Amber Arcades. Their Red Blinders EP brightened up a somewhat cold December and we’re expecting the band’s live show here to make a similar impact.
Housewives (Thursday 18th, Vera @ 22:15)
Arguably one of the most left field bands to grace the Eurosonic Noorderslag bill in a long while, this SouthLondon outfit create music that’s beyond genre categorisation and as a result, stand out as one of this year’s unmissable acts. Last year’s FF061116 long player heralded them as uncompromising experimentalists in a similar vein to Steve Reich, Einsturzende Neubaten, or more recently, Factory Floor. Prepare to be mesmerized.
This London-based outfit have already appeared on the Jools Holland show, been compared to Gorillaz, and have acquired Frank Ocean and Vampire Weekend as fans. Which is pretty good going after just a couple of singles. Their self-titled debut album is out in March and while still early days in their fledgling career, it’s probably fair to say you’ll be hearing a lot more about this eight-piece as the year goes on.
Iceage (Wednesday 17th, Vera @ 23:45)
This Copenhagen four-piece should need no introduction having released two of the decade’s finest long players in 2011’s debut New Brigade and 2014’s third offering Plowing Into The Field Of Love. With a new album said to be imminent, this opportunity to hear some of those songs alongside the older more familiar material of yore is not to be missed.
Žen (Thursday 18th, Huis De Beurs @ 21:25)
Žen are an all female band from Zagreb who make ethereal effects-laden sounds that recall the halcyon era of 4AD and Creation Records from back in the day. Their third and latest LP Suncani Ljudi came out last month and is well worth checking out. As is their live show which bears all the hallmarks of being one of Eurosonic’s main highlights this year.
Isaac Gracie (Friday 19th January LUTHERSE KERK 00:00)
Isaac Gracie rose to prominence when a demo of ‘Last Words’ was uploaded to Soundcloud. Dusty, careworn and distant, it was a quite beautiful introduction to this now fast-rising British talent. With two lo-fi, self-produced EP’s and a live recording out there and plenty more to come, the live shows are equally as stripped back and intimate. One electric guitar, and one untouchable vocal. It’s the antidote to a busy stable of peers, and the very essence of the modern man in one striking and poetic musical talent.
KEIR (Friday 19th January Stadsschouwburg 22:50)
Here is a refreshing new artist from Bristol who sounds like a seasoned performer. Keir is blessed with a powerhouse of a voice, a great sense for writing hooks and infectious pop rock songs, influenced by artists from Patti Smith, Gertrude Stein, Howlin’ Wolf and Edith Piaf to Aretha Franklin. Keir tries to keep it somewhat secretive but material like singles Squeeze Me and Probably and some rave live reviews will make it terribly hard to keep this huge talent from the spotlights.
Eindhoven based RMFTM are an instrumental rock band consisting of Glenn Peeters, Jan-Titus Verkuijlen, Tony Lathouwers and Bram van Zuijlen. Their approach on the psychedelic rock scene is rather broad. By taking different genres in to account such as; shoegaze, neo-psych, kraut, space and noise rock, they take off in an interstellar exploration of new sounds.
Amsterdam-based Pip Blom has announced details of her new single, ‘Babies Are a Lie’, the first song on a AA single to be released via Nice Swan Records on 16th October.
Since first airing her angst-ridden brand of lo-fi indie last year, Pip Blom hasn’t been one to hang around. Four singles released in quick succession introduced her music to listeners far wider than her native Netherlands, with airplay across the likes of American radio station KCRW, BBC Radio One and 6 Music ensuring songs Pip had simply uploaded to the Internet hit hundreds of thousands of streams.
Pip Blom is more than just an underground interest. The effortlessly catchy chorus, even dares to repeat the line, “don’t you want to get it out of my head”, as if something that hook-laden was even possible to shift. With UK dates coming up in October, we should probably get used to Pip Blom never standing still.
More new music from the Netherlands, this time courtesy of Utrecht’s Amber Arcades. Following on from last year’s debut album Fading Lines, her latest EP aims to build on that solid foundation with more radio-friendly indie-rock. It succeeds, and then some.
It says a lot about the quality of Amber Arcades’ songwriting that I didn’t realise at first that the opening track was a Nick Drake song. Like all the best cover versions, it succeeds in taking the track in a new direction without losing the essence of the original. The original compositions are equally good though, especially the Cardigans cum Cate Le Bon indie-pop of ‘It Comes’ and the gently twinkling Bill Ryder-Jones duet ‘Wouldn’t Even Know’. You get the sense she’s still only warming up though – roll on the next record if so.
The Fat Angel Sings 