Shamblemaths - 2 (LP)
This is an Apollon Records release.
“Our second album is darker, heavier, knottier, yet more fragile and vulnerable. It has taken five years, countless studio hours, but zero compromises. Hours of music have been distilled to 45 intense minutes, each one of which a deliberate and necessary part, and not a calory was spent catering to anyone's preferences but our own. Some might call it a change of direction, but then Shamblemaths never had a direction to begin with.
The album is like a picture with many shades, but all from a common, dark palette. There is anger and despair, quiet melancholy and faint embers of hope. In sound and instrumentation, we remain in what some will call the retro-prog landscape. Here are heavy numbers, reinterpretations of a 20th century string quartet and an ancient hymn, and contemporary classical moments. Yet all the components are chosen and constructed to form a coherent album which is more than a collection of tunes.”
Shamblemaths is currently Simen Ellingsen (soprano/alto/tenor/baritone sax, guitar, vocals, recorder, sundry implements) and Ingvald A. Vassbø (drums, perc) with Ellingsen the principal writer. The album could not have materialized without a jaw-dropping performance by bassist Eskild Myrvoll (Kanaan) and keyboard wizard Paolo "Ske" Botta (Ske, Yugen, Not a Good Sign) lending his genius, alongside an array of indispensable guest musicians.
Tracks:
Side A:
- Maneskygge
- Knucklecog
- S.C.H.(Op. 110 String Quartet No. 8 In C Minor, Mvts. 1 And 2)Imaginary Friend
- Lat Kvar Jordisk Skapning Teia Pt. 1-4
Side B:
- Lat Kvar Jordisk Skapning Teia 5 Sanctus
- Lat Kvar Jordisk Skapning Teia Pt. 6-8
- Lat Kvar Jordisk Skapning Teia Pt. 9 Morker Vik Pa All Hans Veg
- Been And Gone
- This River
Format: LP
Artist: Shamblemaths
Release Date: October 22, 2021
Cat. No.: ARP049LP