photos by Nathan A. Verrill
Intercontinentally based cinematic ambient trio IONOPHORE presents their captivating fourth album, Knells. Ahead of its release this Friday, the entire record is now streaming in its entirety through an exclusive premiere at Echoes And Dust, paired with an in-depth interview with the band.
With members in Oakland, California and London, UK, IONOPHORE is the project of multi-instrumentalists Leila Abdul-Rauf (Vastum, Fyrhtu, Terebellum), Janek Hendrich (Qepe, Not Quite So, Betterthief), and Ryan Honaker (Souls And Cities, Betterthief). Formed in 2012, the trio continues to weave their trademark cinematic dark electronics and organic elements, melding the orchestral strings of Honaker with the horns and voice of Abdul-Rauf, embellished with the electronic flourishes of Hendrich.
Knells sees the group exploring a more introspective, neoclassical sound, pondering a weightless feeling of late-night stillness and ambience, interrupted by elements of lethargic jazz on “Take Its Course,” and the distant anguish of whirring machines on “Our Garden.” The album closes with the cool glow of “Contemplation,” bringing calm to the preceding events. Produced by the band, mastered by Myles Boisen at Headless Buddha, and completed with cover art and layout by Janek Hendrich, Knells offers IONOPHORE‘s most captivating and immersive material to date.
Echoes And Dust writes in part, “IONOPHORE play dark, ambient music and this is personified on their brilliant new album Knells which they are just about to release. The album definitely creates an ethereal atmosphere throughout and is an intense and commanding listen for sure.”
Stream IONOPHORE’s entire Knells album first only through Echoes And Dust now at THIS LOCATION.
IONOPHORE will self-release Knells digitally this Friday, February 26th. Find preorders HERE and see the video for “Take Its Course” HERE.
Watch for new video announcements and more from IONOPHORE to be issued over the weeks ahead.
https://www.instagram.com/ionophore_official
https://ionophore.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/ionophore