We Speak Music

Zkeletonz weave their vibrant 80’s synth wizardry to perfection on new single ‘Lonely’!

Published

2 months ago

September 13, 2024

Don Reed

“Sounds like disco never died”- Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music.

“a very seductive groove…7/10”- Louder Than War.

Electronic force of nature Zkeletonzhave been carving outtheir own singular path in the music industry in recent years, headlining their own self-promoted London gigs, tearing up festival stages at the likes of All Points East and Alex James’ Feastival, recording a live session for Scott Mills, and gaining love and support from BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, Radio X and Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, and many more.

The trio continue their mission for world domination this year with their first ever UK tour, which is already underway and features a new London headline date at Oslo In Hackney and support slots with Craig Charles and Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet).

Zkeletonz also have their ‘Enhance Your Dance’ debut album currently in production at TYX, Tileyard Studios, King’s Cross where they recently won 10 hours of free time as the best on the night at their A&R mixer event hosted by Sarah Beaumont (Defected Records).

With crowd-funding support from their ever-growing and passionate fanbase, the album is due to feature collabs with; Shuta Shinoda (Hot Chip & Mercury Prize winner for Ghostpoet), Jamiroquai bassist Paul Turner and Alex Gopher (Ed Banger Records). The next taster of the album to be unveiled will be new single ‘Lonely’ out 13^th September.

‘Lonely’ is an uplifting infectious, groovy banger that sparkles through a vibrant glitterball of revolving, kaleidoscopic bass loaded electronics. The track locks the listener deep into the mind of Zkeletonz singer Gav where he is “Researching on the other side of life”, wrestling with his digital spirit equivalents, who offer up paranoia, temptation and play.

The band’s own production on ‘Lonely’ by electronic drummer and multi-instrumentalist member Ed Trotsky (also Runrummer, Coin Operated Boy) weaves a sonic pallet replete with 1980s synth wizardry that evokes classic pop from the Pet Shop Boys and Human League, combined with tasteful electronica, new rave and indie sleaze sounds typified today by the likes of Confidence Man, Sofi Tukker and The Dare.

The gritty POV video for the single, directed by Adam McHattie (Star Wars, Rocketman, Guardians of the Galaxy, see IMDB), subverts contemporary social media culture with inspiration from the classic filmography and hedonism of ‘Smack My Bitch Up’ by the Prodigy. It was shot at one of the band’s own wild ‘hyperfunk’ club nights in Shoreditch, East London.

Join the party and catch Zkeletonz at the following dates in 2024. Tickets and more info here: https://zkeletonz.com/

We Speak Music

Jean-Loup Pinson ‘A Moment of Deathlessness’: A Visionary Exploration of Mortality and Desire

Published

23 mins ago

November 21, 2024

Philomena Marie

Jean-Loup Pinson’s, A Moment of Deathlessness, is a sonic revelation that brings the poetry of Emily Dickinson into the modern world with grace, complexity, and unflinching creativity. Known for his diverse work in film, television, and theatre, Pinson’s latest EP showcases his skill as a composer who is unafraid to take risks. With contributions from the revered Carice Singers and London’s hip-hop poets Armanious and Tanaka Fuego, Pinson weaves a soundscape that feels like a haunting meditation on life’s biggest questions.

The collaboration with The Carice Singers anchors the EP in a timeless aesthetic, their choral harmonies lending a ghostly beauty to Dickinson’s poetry. In these moments, the listener is transported to a world of introspective calm, where Dickinson’s words are given space to resonate. Pinson’s arrangements are delicate yet impactful, underscoring the nuances in Dickinson’s exploration of existential themes with layered instrumentation that leaves room for reflection.

Armanious and Tanaka Fuego bring a visceral immediacy to the project, drawing connections between Dickinson’s words and the lived experiences of today’s youth. Their performances are powerful yet understated, infusing the poetry with a streetwise perspective that broadens the EP’s appeal. Through their voices, themes like death and desire feel personal and urgent, transforming Dickinson’s nineteenth-century verses into something raw and universal. The juxtaposition of classical and modern elements invites listeners to think about how timeless these questions really are.

Pinson’s composition style is intricate and narrative-driven, each track unfolding like a story within itself. His film and theatre background shines here, particularly in his ability to balance tension and release. The electronic beats woven through the tracks bring a modern pulse to the project without overwhelming its emotional depth, creating a sound that is as moving as it is original.

A Moment of Deathlessness, is a standout in the contemporary music scene, proving Pinson’s remarkable versatility and vision as a composer. By bridging classical and urban sounds, he highlights the universality of Dickinson’s themes while offering something truly new. This EP, now available on streaming platforms, is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of classical poetry and modern sound.