Bas Jan
Bas Jan is the vehicle for well-established musicians Serafina Steer (Jarv IS…), Emma Smith (Jarv IS…, Meilyr Jones, Seamus Fogarty, Elysian Quartet) and Charlie Stock (The Irrepressibles) and percussionist, Rachel Horwood (Trash Kit, Bamboo)
Photos
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Intelligent, ambiguous songs which find the extraordinary in the commonplace. Their music is appealing and disconcerting at the same time... their best album to date
The Quietus
Biography
Bas Jan is the vehicle for well-established musicians Serafina Steer (Jarv IS…), Emma Smith (Jarv IS…, Meilyr Jones, Seamus Fogarty, Elysian Quartet) and Charlie Stock (The Irrepressibles) and percussionist, Rachel Horwood (Trash Kit, Bamboo).
Named after the Dutch conceptual artist Ban Jan Ader, their deadpan, satirical, post-punk sound reawakens the spirit of The Slits and The Raincoats.
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. 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.
Witches, Tarot readings, road signs, Salt-N-Pepa namechecks and a river all cried out, welcome to the swamp…
Behind the release of ‘Back To The Swamp’, Bas Jan are set for UK and Europe tour dates across the new year; with a special appearance at Fire’s 40th anniversary celebration in April 2024.
So good!
Amy Lame - BBC6 Music
Listen
Bas Jan tune into the art-punk spirit of ’79… ‘Back To The Swamp’ takes Bas Jan’s Rough Trade ’79 sound into darker territory and Faith-era Cure
MOJO
Press Clippings
Press Quotes
“Just wonderful!” Radcliffe and Maconie – BBC6 Music
“Stunning” ★★★★ Uncut
“As surprising and unique as this reliably fascinating band” Shindig
“Back to the Swamp’s arty pop is as charming as it is buoyant.” Arts Desk
“Mixing elements of prog and new wave for an earthy, melodic, harmonious sound.” Brooklyn Vegan
“An epic album of our times” or “A beautifully sculpted album that is in parts mystical, practical and mythical” NARC ★★★★ ½
“The artily loquacious post-punks emerged with their most richly produced set of songs yet. An eclectic, searching album that touches on topics spanning capitalism, feminist history, and kacraoke as well as self-doubt and shedding past selves.” AllMusic
Back To The Swamp @ Rough Trade East
