subzar present their second release, pico, available digitally and on limited-edition CD via http://subzar.bandcamp.com. 

pico is a highly conceptual single piece that showcases how far the UK-based acoustic quartet have progressed their compositional crafting since 2012’s i am not yet here EP. 

RECORDING & CONCEPT

Modern compositional acoustic quartet, subzar, present a new work that takes up the theme of flight from the close of 2012’s i am not yet here. pico conveys a migratory journey by a flock of birds, and is a deviation from the first EP’s story. Its four distinct movements chronicle the triumphs and travails of the birds’ journey, from the liberation of take-off through the serenity above the clouds to the terror of an oncoming storm.

These movements also explore another story...

There are birds that migrate every year. Likewise, there are people who live without pause and stability, either driven to explore different lands or driven away from inhospitable lands. pico is also a journey through the eyes of those whose need of exploration never relents - those for whom the idea of ‘home’ may differ in meaning to the majority. In doing so, pico seeks to highlight a question that has forever confronted humankind, yet is inherent throughout nature: to seek shelter in the comforts of our nest, or spread our wings to places far beyond?

The work depicts a journey with a defined start, middle and end; but - as with most human travelling - ‘end’ is an ambiguous term. Rhythms and melodies echo throughout, and the piece’s close is based on its opening movement. Birds’ migration is perennial; people who land will take off once more. 

Travellers carry the slightest burdens...

subzar travelled to Austria to record in the valley town of Pfarrwerfen, near Salzburg, so sought to replicate the travellers’ ethos. pico was recorded using only the instruments they carried and the natural sounds captured on their travels, with minimal overdubs formed mainly from analogue manipulation of recorded tracks. The result is a naked and pure recording that better captures the spirit of the quartet’s live performances. 

Collaborations both old and new...

subzar continued their collaboration with Marie Boucomont, who created the striking artwork accompanying i am not yet here. In partnership with fellow artist/designer, Clayton Junior, the pair produced exquisite, hand-drawn packaging that is noticeably more minimalist, in tune with the quartet’s purer approach to recording. 

Another great inspiration for the concept was the writing of Pico Iyer, who exemplifies many of the themes explored. subzar are thrilled to present an original piece of prose from the renowned travel writer, which describes the effect of the music and hints at the greater significance of the word ‘pico’. 

pico is released on 16 December, available digitally via most mainstream digital outlets and as a limited-edition CD from subzar.bandcamp.com or www.subzar.com.

pico

This release is available to buy on <a href="http://subzar.bandcamp.com">bandcamp</a>. 

The EP that this track is from ‘i am not yet here’ comprises five pieces that span several years, as the group transitioned from guitar-based project into acoustic quartet. The rhythmic and melodic complexities of the pieces combine to form a unique sound that reaches from the introspective to the optimistic. 

Conceptually, the EP’s poetic song titles each convey the mood of the instrumentals and, in succession, are also parts of a longer narrative that complements the entire aural journey. 

Also available on <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/i-am-not-yet-here-ep/id561491691">itunes</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/I-Am-Not-Yet-Here/dp/B0099MM8KK">amazon</a>. 

Contact 
www.subzar.com 
facebook.com/subzarband 
twitter.com/subzarband 

credits
released 19 September 2012 
music by subzar 

recorded at rockhopper studios 
engineering and production by steve redfearn 

artwork by marie boucomont

the drum of ceaseless echo

as memories fade, that which remains...

the miserable madness of worldly men lamented

last night i thought a thousand plans, but today i go my old way

flight of the auguries

fusing post-rock and classical influences, subzar uses guitars, cello and violin to redefine the traditional ‘string quartet’. strident rhythm and intricate melody interweave - captivating the mind yet encouraging it to wander; communicating trials and triumphs through a voiceless, organic sound that seems both unique and yet timeless.

The new work 'pico' is available on <a href="http://subzar.bandcamp.com">bandcamp</a>. 

 
www.subzar.com 
facebook.com/subzarband 
twitter.com/subzarband

subzar

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