Bas Jan release their album ‘Back To The Swamp’ on November 10th on Fire Records. Today they release new single ‘Singing Bar’.
‘Back To The Swamp’ is filled with thought-provoking stories, it’s a reflective worldview, as evidenced on ‘Singing Bar’ which is set in a karaoke-style piano bar in Kowloon before the Hong Kong protests in 2019, with a song list of heavy-hitters that includes Cher, Belinda Carlisle et al.
Accompanied by new music video by mmmmmfilms – collective of artists including Adrian Fisher, Luna Montenegro and Ginés Olivares. It’s a fluorescent singalong video that captures the spirit of the karaoke bar alongside animated surreal collage imagery.
After the glorious anarchic headrush of ‘Baby U Know’ in all its “messy majesty”, ‘Back To The Swamp’ is a coming-of-age record; a heady tussle between their incorrigible DIY ethics and new responsibilities. The swamp is an analogy for smudged beginnings and simpler times.
Kristian Craig Robinson and Leo Abrahams bring their unique and complementary sonic richness as co-producers allowing Serafina Steer, Charlotte Stock, Emma Smith and Rachel Horwood to create something of a shape-shifting album.
These new studio recordings feature more accomplished pop production; they’re more direct and filled with cerebral one-liners that pluck at the senses. And, there’s a nod to an eclectic mix of influences; The Pet Shop Boys, Lizzy Mercier Descloux, Kate Bush, Heaven 17 and Jon Hassell by way of Brian Eno; it’s an eclectic dinner party.
Casting an examining eye over modern times, lost love, Tarot intuition and long days in an everyday swamp. Awash with lush chorale effects, orchestral hewn loops, pin sharp electronic beats and sublime harmonies. ‘Back To The Swamp’ is a polished and poignant collection of perfectly-crafted pop songs that retains their authentic indie edginess.
LIVE DATES
01 Nov: Portland Arms, Cambridge, UK*
02 Nov: Cumberland Arms, Newcastle, UK*
03 Nov: Nice N Sleazy, Glasgow, UK
04 Nov: Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh, UK
08 Nov: The Exchange, Bristol, UK*
09 Nov: Modern Art, Oxford, UK*
10 Nov: Fulford Arms, York
11 Nov: Soup Kitchen, Manchester, UK*
29 Nov: Two Palms, London, UK
*w/ Pictish Trail
