Photo: Sophie Gould
The British experimental post-punk band Abrasive Trees, consisting of members Matthew Rochford and Ben Roberts, who are known for their work with the Bella Union project Silver Moth, have teamed up with a group of local professionals and producer Pete Fletcher from the Isle of Lewis to create a 20-minute cinematic experience. This experience showcases two new tracks, Star Sapphire and Tao To Earth, that have not yet been released but are just as intriguing as their names suggest.
Melding a dash of 1960s psychedelia with elements plucked right from England’s ‘pleasant pastures green,’ the Abrasive Trees sound like stepping into the world of a pastoral poem, only to find that the lute player has been replaced by a reverb-mad electric guitarist. There’s a perfect synergy at work here: a veritable picnic where cucumber sandwiches meet psychedelic blacklight posters. In this musical alchemy, the ancient and modern not only coexist but dance together in harmonious step.
But that’s not all! The film also includes a live rendition of Kali Sends Sunflowers, interspersed with interview snippets guided by music journalist Andy Hill. And to add a cherry on top, visual artist Jess Wooller’s visuals are woven throughout, offering a glimpse into the band’s current artistic voyage. One can only imagine the delightful conversations and creative sparks that flew in that old mill, as Abrasive Trees set out to capture their musical exploits in a way that’s sure to be as refreshing as a brisk walk in the countryside.
“We’d aspired to create this film after meeting earlier this year to discuss what we could and couldn’t do – given our commitments to all of our other creative projects,” says Rochford. “We had considered going into a recording studio but decided to do something completely different and release some of our new material in this way. Somehow it all came together with the right people at the right time and the right place. We received financial and practical backing from the Abrasive Trees community – so it’s a genuinely crowdfunded project.”
Watch the “Mill Session” below:
In addition to being part of their local creative scene, Abrasive Trees have worked with members of Fields of The Nephilim, Rothko, Pulled By Magnets, and Jo Beth Young. Their last EP was produced by Lucy and Matthew Board from Pale Blue Eyes.
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