I have found something very intriguing from Dundee. It’s an act called Esperi, who are releasing their debut album In a Moment, Emotion, Sentiment with Fall On Records. Their Bandcamp is here. They use children’s toys and instruments to create an incredibly unique and inventive sound, innovative to such an extent that about a minute into the video for their track Silo The Fire, I sat back and was quietly awed.
That video is just below. So to clarify: the music is generally close to the sort of twee chamber pop practiced by contemporary Scottish acts like We See Lights, but with a strong twist of post-rock influence. The latter is generally only evident when you consider the structure of their songs – they build up, and build up, and add in sounds to the mix in much the same way as early Sigur Ros or the drone of Lichens.
I’ve had a quick look at the other EPs (most of which are available via free download or name-your-price from their Bandcamp – link above), and I’ve been really pleased with what I’ve found. Every song I played had my partner in crime humming along, and I definitely approve of their taste in jumpers and video editing. Their use of found sound (and found instrumentation) in a way that actually uses it as a component part, rather than ambient background, is very new to me.
“The record continues Marr’s exploration of the heartfelt moments of his and our lives, with touching lyrics that convey a naivety and sensitivity. It’s this child like view of the world that sets Marr apart from his contemporaries and is aided by his use of everyday items as musical instruments. While acoustic instrumentation is mainly the order of the day, tracks such as “Dialled” illustrate Marr’s uniqueness with the sounds of his bike recorded onto the track. Children’s toys and everyday tools heavily influence proceedings on “Hearts Part 2”, as weird and wonderful sounds envelope the listener throughout the ten minutes and 15 seconds closing track.” – A Badge of Friendship
The album has gained plaudits from The List and Drowned in Sound so far – the former said that “juxtaposing acoustic guitar and a whole host of odd instruments and percussion, Esperi mainman Chris Lee-Marr seems to be making all that right waves”. I for one, second that.
