Flock II

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UK supergroup Flock return with the release of ‘Capillary Waves’, the first taste of their upcoming second album ‘Flock II’ dropping this October.

‘Capillary Waves’ presents a stomping, three minute reminder of Flock’s raucous energy and unwavering commitment to group experimentation. Starting off with an intoxicating flurry of instrumentation, the track breaks through to a melodic, electronic and horn-led experience that solidifies their genre-spanning prowess through three minutes of potent, meditative and contemplative vitality.

Comprising an exceptional line-up featuring Bex Burch (fresh from her debut solo album on International Anthem), Sarathy Korwar, Tamar Osborn (Collocutor, Dele Sosimi, Unknown To Known), Danalogue (The Comet Is Coming / Soccer96) and Al MacSween (Kefaya), these new recordings on Flock II showcase Flock’s ability to push the boundaries of the composition process and craft unique tracks based on their collective spirit.

Recorded amidst the serene landscapes of the Welsh countryside during 2022, 'Flock II' emerges as a compelling departure from their debut album, which was captured in a single day at London's Fish Factory. Nestled within the enchanting environs of the Druidstone, a mystical coastal retreat in West Wales, the group embarked on an immersive week-long recording session. Here, they crafted unique "jump-off" devices for each musical piece, drawing inspiration from unconventional structures and atmospheres.

From diagrams utilising shapes and repeated patterns to a revolving lamp throwing out dappled light and a mobile app creating intense strobe effects in front of each musician, each device set a state of mind and a unique approach to their compositions.

Studio Owz, housed in a converted country church, provided an ideal setting for their creative exploration. The resulting compositions, ranging from intense to hypnotic, invite listeners to embark on a deeply personal voyage, weaving their own narratives amidst the ethereal soundscape.

The fruits of a strong and joyful bond between five of the UK’s finest musicians, ‘Flock II’ stands as another essential recording without genre or category. Cover artwork illustration is courtesy of the brilliant Muhammad “Rofi” Fatchurofi, providing the ideal nebulous artistic foil to Flock’s creation.

strut-records.co.uk

Flock

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“This quietly magnificent debut dips into modal jazz, Afro-funk and analogue glitch” — Uncut

“Five heavyweights of the UK jazz scene step into the unknown” — Mojo

“Bristles with the fizz of improvisation as each of the five artists blend their distinctive flavours — Future Music

“Gloriously unpredictable” — Electronic Sound

Flock is a brand new collaboration between five leading musicians from London's open-minded jazz and experimental scenes: Bex Burch (Vula Viel), Sarathy Korwar, Dan “Danalogue” Leavers (Soccer96, A Comet Is Coming), Al MacSween (Maisha) and Tamar Osborn (Collocutor).

The musicians were first brought together by drummer Sarathy Korwar during March 2020 for one of Boiler Room, Total Refreshment Centre and Night Dreamer’s more memorable streamed sessions from early lockdown. Featuring parts played individually and remotely, the set comprised re-imagined versions of Charanjit Singh’s ‘Raga Malkauns’ and Terry Riley’s ‘In C’. It caught the attention of Strut Records and the label presented an open offer for the musicians to create a new, completely freeform project of their own choosing.

Gathering together at The Fish Factory in London Summer 2020, the approach was to try something fresh. “I had been working solo, shedding my own preconceptions about my music, and simply sitting at my instrument asking myself, ‘what music do I like today?’” explains Bex Burch. “I wanted to share this process in a room with the others. Everyone was really busy and I had some time so I reflected on what framework that needed. I wrote texts as scores for the session and knew the emphasis needed to be on breathing and listening to each other. On the day, we sat in a circle, Sarathy and Dan led 30 breaths together and I chose a text for each play. It was a really magical day. Everyone was just so open.”

‘Flock’ by Flock released in May 2022. Artwork is based on an exclusive new illustration piece by Muhammad “Rofi” Fatchurofi.