Brighton-based Wax Machine was formed in 2015 with a constantly evolving lineup based around the central Brazilian-born, Italian/English-raised bandleader Lau Ro. They recently signed to Batov Records and have released a new digital-only double A-side single (released 8 June), with the three minutes psychedelic explosion of Springtime coupled with a tripped-out new version of Canto De Lemanja from Vinicius De Moraes and Baden Powell’s seminal 1966 Brazilian album Os Afro-Sambas.
They have just completed a UK tour and are described as being something of a tour de force on stage. While the band members may change over time, the one constant seems to be their bursting untamed creativity. Their music feels liberating and transcendent – and yes, I could easily imagine them stepping off the Magic Bus, crewed by Neal Cassady with the Incredible String Band on wardrobe and Alice Coltrane, the resident guru.
Watch the accompanying video to Springtime below, which they describe as a “meditation on the cycles of nature, the dance of duality, the swinging of the cosmic pendulum.”
Filmed by @zosiiasz Costumes by @ellarussell_ and @cloudberrysunshine
Featuring Tam as the Sun, Izzi and Ella as the Flowers
Canto De Lemanja is a chant to the goddess of the sea Iemanja. Lau Ro says:
“The ocean is a muse of mine I go to the sea whenever I can. Her presence enlivens, refreshes and brings me deeper awareness. This version is a homage both to my motherland and the great big blue that separates us.”
Both tracks are out now and are taken from their new album Hermit’s Grove, released 1st July on Batov Records.
Pre-Order here: https://waxmachinebbib.bandcamp.com/album/hermits-grove
To mark the release of their new album, the band join Shindig Magazine at The Night Owl in Finsbury Park, London, on 1st July.