When music reaches critical mass, where does one go next? Back to basics, my friend.
Instead of reeling shell-shell-shocked and blinded by the implosion of their respective psychedelic combos, Boedekka and Simian, Robert Jesse and Simon Lord independently decided on a return to their earthy, English, acoustic roots. Both concentrated on stripped-down songwriting and guitar playing, Simon forming Garden and Robert performing his own solo material. After all it makes good sense to play to your strengths in confusing times.
A surreptitious encounter at Robert’s Moon Music night, a melting pot and meeting point for those inspired by acid folk, traditional song forms, cult movies and audacious psychedelia, led to drinks, conversation, hatched plans, an East London rooftop meeting, a guitar joust and the swift realisation of the compatibility of their guitar styles and personalities. Inspired by the supernatural guitar explorations of John Renbourn and Bert Jansch, the pair relocated to Simon’s home studio to see what they could pick out of the ether…
And what spins on your turntable is the result. Uplifting melodies and counter melodies on ‘Within Without’. Rain pummeling the roof, adding further atmosphere to instrumental ‘Rainy Day’. The sound of musicians complementing each other’s playing, creating ego less textures. The ricochet of rich ideas bouncing around a studio. The rejection of post-production, digital editing and pro-tools in favour of capturing the NOW. No frills, no fuss, no effort. The first documentation of what promises to be an exciting musical collaboration. Not bad for a relaxed, wine fuelled, rainy afternoon in Simon’s flat.
The duo is planning to play "out and about" at various venues and acoustic nights as much as possible over the next few months. There is no live schedule, no marketing plan and no advertising budget. This is not an attempt to become the "next big thing" or to shove records down throats. This is simply the sound of two talented musicians exploring their own delicate style of acoustic songwriting and guitar playing, hopefully enchanting those who hear them along the way.
Let Robert and Simon lead you back to the source and be reminded about what you found so moving about music in the first place.