A soundtrack for a 1934 film and a new album inspired by a TV chef? Only one band could take a stab at such a mixbag of content…
Yes, after taking a few months off following the release of last year’s Do You Like Rock Music? and all the subsequent touring, the British quartet of Yan, Noble, Hamilton, and Wood are officially back into full-swing.
Item #1 is a soundtrack. But just not any ordinary soundtrack, one for the 1934 film, Man Of Aran, which just so happens to be a silent film. Yes, British Sea Power have penned music for a silent film.
“It’s a wonderful film,” guitarist Noble said in a statement. “The images vary between huge drama and a brilliant kind of ridiculousness — check out the amazing foot-wide bobbled berets that the fishermen wear. It’s a great look, like a 1930s Irish version of Jack White or Kraftwerk. It’s a film that’s also relevant to the current era — a time when the idea of living a simpler life is in the air. The film shows something I’d like to think I could do, but know I never will.”
Advertisement
The film and soundtrack will officially be released on May 18th, but tonight, the band will offer an early taste in the form of a live performance of the effort at BFI Southbank in London – ugh.
Item #2 is a new album, British Sea Power’s fourth full-length. In an interview with NME.com, Noble revealed that the band has shelled out 15 songs thus far, one of which is apparently inspired by British chef Rick Stein – sorry Bobby Flay!
“I think there’s one song about Rick Stein. I haven’t asked [frontman] Yan why, I think he just likes him,” said Noble. “Yan takes a while to come up with the lyrics. He starts off singing any old thing then gradually the lyrics come. He’s going into that stage now.”
Advertisement
No title or release date has been pinned down quite yet, but Noble did note that the recording should be done by June and the band currently has its sights set on an end-of-year release.
As for item #3? Here’s hoping for a U.S. tour, but given the aforementioned items, that might be a bit too normal…