Cardiff’s Why Horses? And Spirited Followers
Explore mysticism in transcendental new double release ‘Ground/Jain Song’
Out Now via BWGiBWGAN Records
Rising Cardiff acts Why Horses? And Spirited Followers join forces for expansive double release –‘Ground/Jain Song’, which is out now via BWGiBWGAN Records.
Finding themselves consistently sharing bills at the hometown, the two bands decided to unite for a special one-off release. Co-written by both bands and recorded together as a 10-piece in one continuous take, ‘Ground/Jain Song’ progresses from spiritual post-rock serenity to swirling tripped-out psych-rock fantasia, its lyric (and artwork design) exploring the principles of Jainism and Christianity. It seamlessly combines the idiosyncrasies of both acts too: Why Horses?’ Spooky post-punkabilly and unsettling spoken word, and Spirited Followers’ experimental folk, packed with unusual instrumentation, and influences ranging from Greek Traditions to the avant garde.
Recorded/Mixed by Freddie Hodgkinson (Drummer of Spirited Followers) and friend Ioan Grominick, speaking more about the track Why Horses?’ Gabriel Lester explains: “I’ve been interested in Jainism for a while and because Avaneesh’s lyrics focus on religious imagery, I always used to say that he should write a song about Jainism.
As a Quaker (spiritual loose denomination of Christianity), I’ve always been interested in pluralism and mysticism (having multiple faiths) so I decided to write the lyrics for this song from the perspective of someone who is both Christian and Jain. The speaker in ‘Jain song’ is channelling the Jain Principal of Ahimsa, that life everywhere is interconnected, and trying to connect with the source of life (the earth) to reach spiritual union with God.
The calm, delicate and pretty arrangements in ‘Ground’ mirror the peace of God whereas the tense and danceable parts of ‘Jain song’ represent the chaos of all life everywhere.”
A remarkable creation captures this harrowing essence as two outfits write and produce a beautiful musical collaboration. A co-written ensemble that plays in one take, this voyage is a journey that you need to take. The gentle shuffles of “Ground” commence, and striking strings lay down the platform to the initial warm atmosphere, subtle shimmers and percussive pushes lead the way to the beautiful strings. Each passage is unique and emotional as the release takes a turn of intensity, welcoming the choral vocal harmonies, which fuse with the intertwining notes and provide a cathartic crescendo.
Then the tones change, this bountiful bass beat caves a more upbeat presence upon the soundscape, the tonality differs and brings a more fierce imprint to “Jain Song“. Orphic lyrics and baritone vocal notes punch into the melodic landscape, and the musicians elevate their experimental textures to deliver this unpredictable exploration, the musicians bring something big to the table whilst still effortlessly capturing soul.
What both Why Horses? and Spirited Followers have created is such a refreshing and vital piece.
Upcoming Live shows:
Why Horses?
25 MAR // London, The Windmill
11 APR // London, The 100 Club *
17 APR // Bristol, The Louisiana *
18 APR // Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach *
2 MAY // Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach (supporting MORN)
7-9 MAY // Wrexham Focus Wales (Why Horses? only)
13-16 MAY // Brighton, The Great Escape
* opening for World News
Spirited Followers:
25 MAR // London, the Windmill (supporting Why Horses?)
11 APR // Carmarthen, CWRW
25 APR // Hay on Wye, The Globe
9 MAY // Wrexham, Focus Wales
19 MAY // Cardiff, Chapter Arts Centre
23 MAY // Norwich, The Holloway
Why Horses? are:
Gabriel Lester (Guitar/Vocals)
Les Davies (Bass)
Hadi Checri (Percussion)
William Dadswell (Violin)
Dilibe Aneke (Guitar)
Spirited Followers are:
Avaneesh Bavadekar (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar)
Theo Meller (Synth)
Freddie Hodgkinson (Drums and Percussion, Tape Machine)
Loucas Pavlimbey (Bazouki)
Alisdair (Cello)
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