Time to take a trip to ‘Himmelaya’ – a new name, a new album (‘Lost Horizon’), a new collaboration between Astralasia’s Swordfish and friends - think motorik rhythms meet spoken word, kosmische meets krautrock. A huge project (spanning two LPs and a bonus double CD of extra tracks, alternative mixes and remixes that comes with every set) that has taken a long time to come together, with everyone contributing from their respective countries.
Over to Swordfish to explain things… ‘Himmelaya’ started with Jochen Oberlack (the man behind Bellerophon Records in Dusseldorf) getting in touch through Fruits de Mer. Initially it was going to be a purely instrumental project, but I wanted it to be more like classic era Ash Ra Tempel with Rosi from the 70s, something a little bit more.
Britt Rönnholm from the Swedish duo Us and Them (also Fruits de Mer Records regulars) was suggested to provide spoken vocals; it was well out of her normal comfort zone, but we both loved her voice, so it was all systems go. Although essentially a three-piece project, we have been blessed with friends’ and bandmates’ contributions, plus some bonus CD remixes by other artists, including nick nicely, Schizo Fun Addict and the Lost Stoned Pandas.
One of the last pieces we started on - 'Shangrilaya' - was recorded at our slide player Pete Prakownik’s house; sadly he passed away the day after we recorded the gongs - its become a personal piece 'lost horizon' and taken its own course with twists and turns in its journey to Shangri-la (Britt’s vocals sum it up all up very beautifully).
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Following the warmly received debut The Questions, The Indie Pea is back with Echoes And Answers, the first taste of a new EP in the making. Vocalist Campbell Anderson explains: “There’s so much beautiful, unfinished material left from the sessions. We felt it deserved our full attention — and this single is proof of that.”
Echoes And Answers continues the band’s signature blend of shimmering indie rock and sweeping string arrangements. It’s a sound both grand and graceful — full of unexpected twists, yet instantly catchy. Their orchestral touches never overwhelm; instead, they elevate, adding cinematic weight without losing emotional clarity.
With this new chapter, The Indie Pea builds on the atmospheric depth and melodic vulnerability that made their debut so compelling. If this track is any indication, the upcoming EP promises to be something truly special.
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| Photo - Joel Karim |
This week singer-songwriter and founder of Baste Records, Matthew Azrieli presents his new single “I thought I saw you the other day”. A short and crisp tune containing melancholic vibes, the new track is now available to stream on most platforms.
Inspired by folk-rock greats and coming straight from the heart, Matthew Azrieli’s “I thought I saw you the other day” is an intimate ode to missing an old lover or friend. A pensive, yet emotional tune clocking in at only one and half minutes, “I thought I saw you the other day” is the perfect bit of sonic sunshine needed on a dreary, rainy day. The new track is the second offering from the four track EP, Expectations, which is slated for release later this year.
Recorded by Jacob Cardinal-Lacroix (who received a Juno for his work with the band Half Moon Run), “I thought I saw you the other day” consists of twangy, alt-country melodies that also maintain a sleek, folk-rock demeanor. The forthcoming tracks on Expectations are sonic treasures that will hit instantly for fans of Mac Demarco, Father John Misty, and Bob Dylan.
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