Project Gemini - Colours & Light [LP Indie Exclusive Magenta Vinyl with OBI strip]

MR BONGO

£24.46

Cat. no: MRBLP301M
Format: LP Indie Exclusive Magenta Vinyl with OBI strip
Barcode: 7119691298610
Release Date: 05 Apr 2024
Genre: Indie

If 2022's The Children Of Scorpio was the debut album that turned people onto the world of Project Gemini aka Paul Osborne, Colours & Light is the body of work that will be buried deep into their hearts

It is a majestic album, bringing together the worlds of folk rock, psych soundtracks and hazy cinematic funk.

A growing confdence and ease emanate from the writing and production of this sophomore LP, bolstered by the reception to his standout debut. "It's a more layered and diverse record" Paul mentions, "with a more outward-looking, global sound, born out of the records I was listening to and the musicians I was lucky enough to collaborate with". It feels relaxed yet self-assured, with a kaleidoscope of sounds that twist together in a mesmerising fashion.

The theme of the album developed naturally through the lyrics Paul began writing. A creative process both plagued and fed by insomnia, nourished by relationships, entwined in emotions, nights out, nights in and the after- effects on the human condition. Relatable themes yet seen through the prism of a soundscape that
takes in many a different culture and scene. From acid folk to psych- funk, Francophile elements to Anatolian and Eastern inspirations, all interlocking and rotating as one.

Drawing inspiration from those he admires, Colours & Light radiates with collaborations. The title track, which tips its hat to a live 1973 TV version of Pentangle's 'Wedding Dress', features the folk rock, guitar brilliance of Jack Sharp from Wolf People/Large Plants.

Elsewhere, two tracks are blessed by the sultry, smokey French vocals of Gloria's Wendy Martinez, 'Extra Nuit' and 'Entre chien et loup'. The former echoes Paul's love of classic French psych- pop from the late '60s and early '70s and artists such as Laurance Vanay, Calcium, Leonie, and Serge Gainsbourg . Martinez's sublime vocal work nestles perfectly within Paul's psych-folk-funk productions, as her Gloria partner, Alexis Morel (aka Kid Victrola) sprinkles a dose of entrancing guitar line magic on proceedings.

The list of collaborations extends further with Raz and Markey Funk , drummer Tony Coote and percussionist Paul Elliott all featuring. Regular collaborator and underground icon Barrie Cadogan (Little Barrie) returns along with Bert Page
from The Cromagnon Band, who between them provide a hit of whacked- out, fuzzed up country guitar and Moog madness respectively on 'Lost In The Woods (Bacchanal)'.

Rounding off the record Paul's daughter, Olivia Osborne, supplies the keyboard intro on the penultimate track 'Twilight'. Dorian Conway from The Soundcarriers (whose bandmate Paul Isherwood returns on mixing duties) then layers echoing heavy fute parts to magically capture the psychedelic sunrise images brought to mind.

Balancing light and shade on this record, there is beauty and tension all wrapped up in Paul's vivid and visceral, storytelling gift.

A majestic album, bringing together the worlds of folk rock, psych soundtracks and hazy cinematic funk.
The follow up to 2022's critically acclaimed debut album, The Children Of Scorpio.

PRESS UPDATE:
Reviews confrmed in Uncut (8/10 - "Kaleidoscopic psych- funk opus" ) and Shindig. 5 plays on BBC6 Music, including one on the Huey Morgan show (second most listened to show on the station), plus the usual plays on specialists including FIP. The band will be doing an interview and live performance on BBC Radio London Robert Elms Show on 12/4.

LP Indie Exclusive Magenta Vinyl with OBI strip Tracks: The Sun Devil Prelude / Colours & Light / Extra Nuit / The Last Midnight / Lost In The Woods (Paranoia) / The Sun Devil / Entre Chien Et Loup / Lost In The Woods (Bacchanal) / After The Dawn / Seven Seconds To Sunrise / Twilight / The Sun Devil Coda