Earlier this month we reviewed Different Geographies, the new album from experimental chamber collective Collectress. In his review, David Auckland summed the album up beautifully in one particular paragraph:
Different Geographies understandably became a statement about inevitability, chance, and separations of place and time. It is an exploration of both traditions and technology, a fusion of neo-classical chamber pop and radical experimentation. It is varied and connected, intuitive and vibrant, and draws together experiences and influences from across the globe. It is grounded in science yet explores a spiritual form that looks beyond the laws of physics.
In that same review, he touches on the track Landing which he described as developing into “a flamenco dance with cellos and guitar that could have been inspired by a Steve Reich canon”. Whatever visuals that may have painted in your mind’s eye, now’s your chance to see theirs as they reveal the accompanying video below featuring footage from the Metaxourgio carnival in Greece, a visual exploration and reflection on community, anarchy, kindness and welcome. “The track itself has always alway felt to us like it mixes a big heart and an energetic spirit with something about endurance, continuity and inter-dependence. Setting it to imagery from the life-force that is carnival seemed like the perfect expression of this.” – They provide deeper insight into the video below.
It was a particular set of revellers at the carnival that first caught the eyes of one particular member of Collectress, those who were dressed in animal skins, carried goat horns, skulls, and staffs, and were covered in the ornate bells of the mountain goats. “For me they seemed to embody the anarchic spirit of the festival, always jumping and dancing, full of mischief, nature and mystery, a mix of dark and light, challenge and exuberance, traditional and modern, ancient bells and scruffy urban footwear combining in a leaping deafening joyfulness.”
“Since being in Greece, I’ve thought and read a lot about Greece’s at times complex relationship with its ancient history – a past often essentialised by Northern/Western Europe (think Byron, ‘Elgin’ Marbles, White/Christian/Fortress Europe). I’ve also thought and read a lot about Greece’s geographical position on the borders of Europe, Asia and Africa and its people’s heartbreaking humanity to refugees during the ongoing migrant crisis. Something of all of this seemed to be expressed both in the symbolism of those goat revellers and in the spirit of the carnival. I noticed as we paraded along, the tradition of restaurant and cafe proprietors placing tables outside their establishments, covered with cheese and bread and drinks for the revellers to enjoy for free. I thought of the potential in community, anarchy, kindness and welcome.”
Different Geographies is out now.
Order via Bandcamp: https://collectress.bandcamp.com/
Collectress Spring Shows:
Friday, April 10 – Brighton Album Launch at The Rosehill, Brighton
Saturday, May 9 – Daylight Session (plus special guests), Union Chapel, London
https://www.collectress.co.uk/