Synth pop meets pseudo Americana. With roots firmly dug in the foothills of North London, Swansea born songwriter Josh Ace tells tales of derailed dreams, dissolute companions and life in the times of social media and virtual collective consciousness. Apocalyptic overtones with a sense of humorous cynicism, sugar coated in power pop harmonies leave you feeling not all is lost. Angular guitar hooks hark back to post-punk new wave with a hint of psychedelia thrown in the mix for good measure!

Repetitive Strain w/ VC + Motlash monthly on @voicesradio_ldn

vanitycrystal4u@gmail.com

20/11 – RS: All Night @ Multi Story, London (DJ)
04/12 – RS: Blue Zero (live) @ Ivy House, London
06/12 – The Hub fundraiser @ VFD, London (DJ)
13/12 – New River Studios, London (DJ)
16/12 – Pelican House, London (DJ)

Joseph Pear is best known for his bass work with the likes of Younghusband, Seamus Fogarty and Meilyr Jones to name a few. He currently plays in The Waeve — Rose Elinor Dougall and Graham Coxon’s collaboration — touring with them extensively throughout the U.K. and Europe. The Granite and Goats EP, however, finds him wearing a very different hat: this is his first effort as a solo artist. Listeners may feel it's long overdue when they hear Pear's wryly humorous yet existential take on such subjects as addiction, depression and childhood trauma, in songs which steal inspiration from a wide range of sources, including but not limited to the rugged landscape of his native Dartmoor. His songwriting, intertwined with snaky, ever-shifting chord changes that resolve in the most surprising ways, is propelled forward by intricate fingerpicked guitar and enveloped by lush strings (arranged by producer James Howard). The overall mood of this EP brings to mind some of the more ambitious country recordings of the 1970’s - think Gene Clark’s ‘No Other’ or Lee Hazelwood’s ‘Cowboy From Sweden’ — though the lyrical content breaks free from these formative influences. Initial live takes were recorded with Toby Burroughs (Pozi), with further production, overdubs and mixing done with Euan Hinshelwood (Cate le Bon, H. Hawkline) at his Vacant TV studio; a follow-up EP is in the works too.

UPSET THE RHYTHM is a live music promoter and record label based in London, which is collectively run with enthusiasm, commitment, a sense for adventure and a desire to have fun in the process. 

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