Shameless Tuesdays: Livre 72 | Caulbearers
Even a mighty river has its calm places, where the water flows heavily yet quietly. That sort of imagery comes to mind when I listen to Caulbearers, a Manchester-based project created by musical Damien Mahoney. While the lyrical elements are deep and dark, its presentation is smooth and relaxing, as evident by their latest single "Burst Through The Borders". The same can be said about its b-side "Solid Supposed", as guest vocalist Ruth Blake brings a dark jazz cabaret feel to Mahoney's arrangements. (No doubt the slick saxophone assists with that mental setting!) To ease us through another week, Caulbearers have kindly presented us a playlist for this week's Shameless Tuesdays!
Here's what Damien Mahoney has to say about this week's playlist:
I hope you enjoy this 21-song journey through folk, funk, disco, psychedelia, hip-hop, jazz, electronica and contemporary classical music. This mix has two overlapping themes but the principle one is artists who create something original via the weaving together of varied influences & styles. The psych-folk sounds of Villagers and Jane Weaver early in the selection are wonderfully combined with heavier, soulful grooves and this is a blend that resonates with our latest single âBurst Through The Bordersâ, which features later in the mix.
Another theme is of collaboration and connection: Fellow Manchester artists GoGo Penguin feature twice, and Drummer Rob Turner & pianist Chris Illingworth both played & recorded with Caulbearers previously (Rob also came up with the initial groove for âHollow Bonesâ in this selection). The cityâs See Thru Hands bring their hybrid disco, post-punk funk to the party, and another MCR artist, Shunya blends soulful afro vibes with electronica. Shunya recorded the strings on âBrave Shipsâ, a track that I produced for Ruth Blake. Ruth is an incredible artist & songwriter whose voice also features on several Caulbearers songs here, including âSolid Supposedâ that starts the mix. The MCR connection extends to Tungusku, comprising of former members of The Mouse Outfit & featuring Caulbearersâ Gavin Mullan on percussion.
âTender Is The Nitisâ by Defunkles continues the theme of a hybrid mix of styles and sounds with a nod to Eno & Bryneâs My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts and Bill Laswellâs productionâs. This project was a previous collaboration between myself and guitarist Ian Fletcher. Ground-breaking polyrhythmic pianist Edward Chilvers ends this mix with the beautiful âHere This Foreverâ from his latest album. Listen out for Eddieâs exquisite piano-playing on âBurst Through The Bordersâ too.
For more information on Caulbearers, visit their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Check out their latest single "Burst Through The Borders" below via their Bandcamp!
Promotional consideration provided by Shameless Promotion PR.