Spiro release their new mini album ‘The Vapourer’ on October 28th via Real World which features Moog synthesiser arrangements by Adrian Utley of Portishead together with a new studio track and three live tracks recorded at WOMAD festival. Here’s a taster with the title track ‘The Vapourer’:
The Moog arrangements of ‘We Will Be Absorbed’ and ‘The Vapourer’ sit in an ethereal place where Bach meets Kraftwerk meets Sci Fi. Intriguingly strange yet reassuringly familiar, the retro synth treatment curiously reinforces both the underlying classical principals of the compositions, and the rhythmic, hypnotic shimmer of repetition which testify to the band’s interest in systems and dance music.
The unexpected coupling of Spiro and Moog came about after Alex Vann (mandolin) went to see the Will Gregory Moog Ensemble at St George’s Hall in Bristol, which Adrian was playing in. Alex was blown away by the sound of the Moogs in Will’s ‘Tim Henman Suite’ and when he enthused to Adrian after the gig, Adrian suggested trying a Spiro track on Moog. “It’s fascinating for us to hear someone outside the band reworking our material, especially given that the sounds he’s used are nothing like our instruments. The result is wonderfully other-worldly,” says Jon Hunt (guitar). “Adrian also invited us to record a new track in his Bristol studio crammed with delicious vintage analogue gear, so we recorded ‘The Vapourer’, which started its life in Winnipeg during the excellent festival there.”
Released via Real World 28th Oct 2013.
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