If you didn’t think 2017 was exciting enough for Creation Records shoegaze-psych rock legends THE TELESCOPES, between their two album releases and extensive touring, 2018 certainly gives signs that the band will be just as active. This week brings their new video for‘Everything Must Be’ off their ‘Stone Tape’ LP.This coming Friday, January 26th is also the first date for their new Europe tour in support of this album. One of six tracks found on their new ‘Stone Tape’ album, released via Rome-based label Yard Press. This video was created by Michele Manfellotto, following up album lead tracks ‘The Desert In Your Heart’ and ‘Silent Water’.
The band will also be heading across Europe on a 13-date tour in support of this album, which kicks off Friday, January 26th. 2017 was a highly eventful year for The Telescopes, having toured Europe in late autumn for their ninth album “As Light Returns” released via Tapete Records. earlier that year.
The Telescopes ‘Stone Tape’ album inaugurates Yard Press’ new series of record productions. Curated by Giandomenico Carpentieri, this endeavor is rooted in the desire to create albums that are developed in close collaboration with the artists involved. The starting point is to create a concept album specially designed for Yard Press, within a free environment without creative limits, where artists can pursue the most experimental and conceptual projects.
‘Stone Tape’ is a concept album inspired by the “Stone Tape Theory”, theorized by Thomas Charles Lethbridge in 1961. The archaeologist, parapsychologist and explorer developed the idea that inanimate materials can absorb energy from living beings, and that this mental electrical energy, released during emotional or traumatic events, could somehow be “stored” in such materials and “reproduced” under certain conditions.
Not long after touring with Spacemen 3, Primal Scream and The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Telescopes were headlining tours themselves with support from the likes of Slowdive, Ride, The Cranes, Bleach, Bark Psychosis and Whipping Boy. The band eventually transitioned from their noise origins towards a more brooding psychedelic sound.Following the release of their second album in 1992, Lawrie put the group on hold, returning in 2002 with a renewed vigour. The late great John Peel, for whom they recorded two sessions, heralded their return and championed their ‘Third Wave’ album, exclaiming “The Telescopes have resurfaced and I am amazed and glad they are still practicing their mysterious art”.
TRACK LIST:
“Every sound you ever heard was but a preliminary exercise in hearing, for the all embracing maelstrom of The Telescopes” – Melody Maker (1989)
“Droney and draggy in the best psychedelic way with Telescopes’ kingpin Stephen Lawrie in a swaying chant capable of sending you into a glazed daze. Close your eyes for added effect and hit repeat – by the end of round 3 you’ll be hitting the peyote sands of shamanic trance territory” – Louder Than War (2017)
“While only six songs long, the record leaves quite a bruise behind… Don’t operate any heavy machinery while this is spilling through your earbuds” – Paste Magazine
‘Everything Must Be’ from ‘Stone Tape’ LP
The Fat Angel Sings 