Thurston Moore and Bonner Kramer reveal new album
In the spotlight now is Kim Gordon, former Sonic Youth member, set to release her new solo album Play Me next month. However, her ex-husband and former bandmate Thurston Moore also has exciting projects in the works. Recently, Moore shared Guitar Explorations Of Cloud Formations, a collection of home recordings made for a Dublin music festival. He has now announced a new collaborative album with Bonner Kramer, a long-time Sonic Youth associate known as Kramer. Both Moore and Kramer have been part of the avant-garde scene in New York since the ’80s, with Kramer’s credits including time in bands like Bongwater, Shockabilly, and the Butthole Surfers, as well as running the Shimmy-Disc label and producing bands like Galaxie 500 and Low. Together, they created They Came Like Swallows – Seven Requiems For The Children Of Gaza, an improvisational instrumental album dedicated to the victims of Israel’s campaign of genocide.
According to Moore, their collaboration began in Miami, Florida, where they quickly set up a mobile recording setup in Moore’s temporary residence, capturing the essence of the Florida sunshine, palm leaves, and skittering lizards. The result, They Came Like Swallows, was conceived as a musical offering and prayer for the war-stricken families of Palestine. It was meant to be a form of activism through music, aimed at promoting human dignity and peace on a global scale.
Kramer recounts how the creative process unfolded, with him initially composing and recording some pieces in his home studio before joining Moore in South Florida. Witnessing Moore’s spontaneous composition process was a remarkable experience, leading to the birth of new pieces through improvisation and joint exploration. The primary goal was to allow for surprises and capture the essence of Moore’s guitar work, resulting in a memorable and joyful collaborative effort.
The lead single from the album, “Urn Burial,” is described as a twisty psychedelic freakout, offering listeners a taste of what’s to come from the collaborative project. The tracklist includes titles such as “The Redness In The West,” “The Third Migration,” and “The Oceans Are Crying,” showcasing the depth and emotion behind the instrumental compositions.
They Came Like Swallows – Seven Requiems For The Children Of Gaza is set to release on 5/1 on Silver Currents, presenting a unique and heartfelt tribute to the ongoing struggles faced by families in war-torn regions. The album serves as a reminder of the power of music in promoting awareness, empathy, and positive change in the world.