Playlist: Trystero & Friends

Kulku is an amazing project from Berlin that has been going for more than 20 years now. They’re a collective of 7 musicians that make a hypnotic blend of what they call no-age music – a sound that holds elements of krautrock, post punk, jazz, rock and minimalism played on mostly acoustic instruments –  a lot of percussion, wind instruments and cello. From Moon Dog to Sun Ra, Lou Read to Can you can hear all of these in there but it’s something totally unique at the same time. Their live show is something not to miss.

For me, Bravo Tounky has always been a magical, almost fairytale-like figure, yet one so firmly rooted in the ground. This tribute to a loved one who is going through difficult times is strikingly tender and poetic. It was created to illustrate in a synthetic way the landscapes crossed on this long recovery path, and it caught my ears immediately. Watch out for your sensitive little eyes.

Vaillant is the solo project of Strasbourg-based Olivier, also guitarist in Récréation and ex-bassist of A Second of June. The album is a clever blend of Brian Eno, Steve Reich and Kraftwerk. It’s gentle, crackling, sometimes ambient, sometimes bouncy! This spring, he will release a new album, with more radical sounds and vocals in French!

Inkasso is another Berlin-based project by two friends – Frank and Jacob – that holds a fascinating place between experimental performance art, live improvisation and industrial techno. Their live shows are always totally unique improvisations with tape loops, drum machines, dub mixing and props like document shredders and construction material. Check out their releases on Käften and Osaré as well as the laser disc they just put out on Frank’s label Kashual Plastik.

Théréon is a young project from Strasbourg, with its roots in the lyricism and rage of Camille and the long laughs and attraction for leftfield bass-culture of Paul. The cassette is still fresh, and the last song on the EP is a yet sketchy but honest description of what life as a couple could be. It fits in perfectly with some dirty floors embellished by dance steps.

Zmatsutsi is a band of friends of ours from Leeds who are connected to Outlaws Yacht Club and Narr Radio. They make amazing cosmic downtempo chuggers for psychedelic basements. A great fit with our sound. In fact, we’ll be playing with them in Leeds on this tour. Can’t wait!

Zad Kokar is a guitarist/illustrator from Strasbourg. His musical and graphic universe is always in a weird alien chaotic noise spirit. He also plays crazy drums in Easy Goat, a band I’m lucky to share with him alongside Fearless Alfredo and Zoe Heselton! On this track, he is accompanied by his sister, Vendredi 1312 (her drag name). Together, they have a publishing house that distributes cool K7s, fanzines, books and vinyl.

Murray is a friend from when I lived in Glasgow. An incredibly talented producer and musician with a completely unique style. He’s been churning out amazing stuff under aliases like Grim Lusk, and Dip Friso for a while now. This one came out last year on his label Real Landscape.

Heimat… it’s like nothing you’ve ever heard! Armelle sings in a Sings in a yet babbling but poetical german, and Olivier (not the one from Vaillant!) assembles sounds that should never have met in real life. They’ve just released their third album, “Waldi”, and it’s as great as ever!