Taken from their acclaimed album ‘Back To The Swamp’, Bas Jan revisit ‘Margaret Calvert Drives Out’ with a brand new music video that’s a joyful celebration of all things analogue and handmade.
“If Bas Jan can’t drive out into the countryside, the countryside shall come to them. The song is an homage to Margaret Calvert, who designed British road signage.” Bas Jan
Video by Sally O’Reilly. Recent projects include the novella ‘Help in Cucumbers’ (Joan, 2023), the spoken word and music album ‘Where They Gather’ (with Kit Downes, October Records, 2022) and the video retrospective ‘Three Scoop Complicator’ (Mattflix, 2021).
“Just wonderful!” Radcliffe and Maconie – BBC6 Music
“Stunning” ★★★★ Uncut
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.
Serafina Steer, Charlotte Stock, Emma Smith and Rachel Horwood cast 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 filled with thought-provoking stories, it’s a reflective worldview. It’s a polished and poignant collection of perfectly-crafted pop songs that retains their authentic indie edginess.
These studio recordings feature more accomplished pop production; 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.
“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
“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
