Premiere: Symbol & The Sound Channels The New Romantic Sound With “World We Know”

I WANT TO KNOW WHERE DID OUR NATURE GO?
WE CRESCENDO INTO THE WORLD WE KNOW.
LIGHTING OUR WAY WITH A BRIGHT RAY.
LIGHTING OUR WAY ON THE WHEEL

International supergroup Symbol & The Sound drop a stunning new track and accompanying video for their debut EP, World We Know/Oblivion. The passion project of vocalist Michael Tellbach, producer Nathaniel Ritter, and multi-instrumentalist Troy Schafer, the two songs weave together the revelry and sensuality of Post-punk and New Romantic stylings with a smattering of psychedelia. Working in tandem, each track features complimentary remixes by Burial Hex and Auscultation.

Tellbach (Art Abscons) croons and broods with Bryan Ferry’s swagger, yet maintains the pensive distance of Brian Eno and David Sylvian. (Indeed, World We Know sounds so much like Japan, I had to do a double-check it wasn’t a cover – the unexpected chord hallmarks of Japan, the sleepy synth, the languid vocal delivery of very intense lyrics.) Tellbach is punctuated and backed by the sumptuous voice of Jessica Way (Barren Harvest, Worm Ouroboros). Rounding out the quartet are Nathaniel Ritter and Troy Schafer (Wreathes and Kinit Her), who indulge in a technicoloured reimagining of pop history, delicately balancing their cinematic nostalgia with a sense of of endless horizon.

These are sophisticated dance floor ballads; music for Serious Contemplation. Much more than mood and rhythm, Ritter’s hermetic lyrics take the spiritual path of Tears For Fears as the band lifts these songs out of the mundane and hint at a deeper understanding of human connection and the archetypal mediums of expression. The band also cites Talk Talk, ABC, and Peter Gabriel as heavy influences.

This highly polished and thoughtful release is a fascinating first glimpse into the vivid, evocative world of Symbol & the Sound. Enjoy the band’s self-directed video for World We Know:

The EP is available for purchase at Symbol & The Sound’s Bandcamp.