Torino-based experimental post-rock group LARSEN will be heading to the UK next month to promote new single from the recently released ‘Cool Cruel Mouth’ on Tin Angel Records. The critically acclaimed album merges dark electronica with underground New York smokey siren Little Annie ‘Anxiety’ Bandez. “Cool Cruel Mouth is surely the chilling ‘anti-hero’ soundtrack of the summer”.
“It Was A Very Good Year” is to be released with B-side “Annie’s Rap”, chosen by Larsen, they are the opposite of two souls a cinematic metropolitan of noisy songs. The introspective haunting piano led themes are lost in Larsen’s typical sounds layer and rhythmic movements.
Little Annie has always loved interpreting Irven Drake’s “Very Good Year” she finds that in very few words it scans the stages of life, of romance, of aging without being overly maudlin. Turning the classic Frank Sinatra into ‘a boozy trip down melancholia lane’ ‘It Was A Very Good Year’ stands out on ‘Cool Cruel Mouth’ with it’s dark piano accompaniment.
“Annie’s rap” is a conglomerate of barroom romances. A zen love that is truly real and truly meaningful for as long as one can keep drinking. But that doesn’t make them less valid, even if you cant remember one paramours name.“‘Annie’s Rap’ alone, I would recommend Cool Cruel Mouth. I haven’t heard an album as darkly compelling since Barry Adamson’s Oedipus Schmoedipus in 1996”
Larsen have been producing albums for the past 15 years releasing 13 full length albums, 2 eps and various dvds. Grabbing the attention of press on both sides of the Atlantic, including the Wire, they have performed worldwide sharing stages with Neurosis to Einstuerzende Neubauten. Collaborations have included Michael Gira, Matmos, Martin Bisi, Matt Howden, Lustmord, Deathprod, Origami Galaktika, Backworld, Jarboe, Nurse With Wound, Little Annie, Fovea Hex, z’ev and sci-fi icon Christine Schell. That’s not to mention their side project XXL amalgamating two acts, Xiu Xiu and Larsen, and the many extra band members that join them on stage include David Tibet and Baby Dee of Current 93, Julia Kent and Johann Johannsson. Larsen have also released soundtracks, both for movies and theatre plays, including the award winner Cartoanimalettimatti (commissioned by the University of Torino for Winsor McKay‘s silent animated movies).
Little Annie has recorded extensively with acts such as Crass, Coil and Nurse With Wound. Releasing two solo albums on Durtro (David Tibet’s label) and Southern Records she will be back in the studio this winter to collaborate with Baby Dee.
UK Tour Dates
Larsen will perform two dates in the UK with label mates Trumpets Of Death:
Thursday 6th October – Taylor John’s House – Coventry
Saturday 8th October – Cafe Oto – London
Track: It Was a Very Good Year
Video
Larsen with Little Annie “Lefrak City Limits”
LARSEN + Jamie Stewart (Xiu Xiu) – 15th Anniversary Show
Larsen – ‘It Was A Very Good Year’ / ‘Annie’s Rap’ – Released October 10th 2011 on Tin Angel – Digital Release ONLY