These two tracks mark the fervent debut solo offering from erstwhile frontman/songwriter/misery troubadour Jonathan Stolber of the much loved To Bury A Ghost (“one of our favourite records of
the year” – EchoesandDust.com)
The Northampton based, former Abbey Road Masterclass graduate & twice-nominated BBC Weekender Artist returns this Piano Day with two deep cuts culled from forthcoming debut LP, “For The Blood Of England.”
The Minotaur (Mesto in A-Minor) is a majestic, blistering neo-classical piano-led instrumental that builds upon Stolber’s plaintive Michael Nyman-esque performance and will feature on this year’s Piano Day playlist. Backed by a searing string quintet, the song slowly evolves into a grandiose cinematic crescendo as a colossal thundering funeral march evokes an apocalyptic cacophony. The track is reminiscent in parts of Hope Of The States & Hans Zimmer and features live performances from some of the UK’s most talented string players, including David Dhonau (Her Name Is Calla) and Beni Weedon (Maybeshewill).
Slow It Down paints a different sonic picture. A dense symphony of discordant, glacial synths swell into an explosive wash of plucked harp and angelic, tumbling choir, whilst Stolber delivers his trademark vocal: a fragile, intimate croon that recalls early Elbow & ‘Kid A’ era Radiohead.
Mixed by Leeds producer James Kenosha (Grammatics / Dry The River) and mastered by John Davis
(Manic Street Preachers / Bloc Party / Joy Division).
Stolber has to date, had the pleasure of sharing the stage with many celebrated acts, including 65 Days of Static, James Yuill & Her Name Is Calla. The BBC, Drowned in Sound, Echoes & Dust, Gold Flake Paint, The 405, Sound Of Violence,John Kennedy and Gil Mills have all expressed support of his previous releases.
These two tracks serve as a gorgeous appetite-whetter ahead of the full debut scheduled for release later in 2020.
All proceeds from the Bandcamp download ‘The Minotaur’ will be donated in aid of mental health awareness : www.tinychanges.com
