Bas Jan release their fourth album Back To The Swamp on November 10th on Fire Records. Today sees the release of their first track from the album, new single and video ‘At The Counter’.
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.
New single ‘At The Counter’ is filled with hope for the “best life” lived, from the bedroom to the pet shop. Raising questions about self-belief whilst journeying towards a four-to-the-floor triumph over self-doubt. Directed by Rachel Horwood and filmed by Aurora Horwood, the flamboyant new music video superbly captures the quizzical narrative of the first single and the band.
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-shifter as ‘At The Counter’ identifies.
These new studio recordings feature more accomplished pop production; they’re more direct and filled with cerebral one-liners that pluck at the senses. 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 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.
Witches, Tarot readings, road signs, Salt-N-Pepa namechecks and a river all cried out, welcome to the swamp…
LIVE DATES
24 Sep: Moth Club, London, UK, w/ Half Japanese
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
