We here at The Amazing Sessions were lucky enough to convince the much-coveted London trio Ex Libras to stop by the studio whilst on their recent northern tour. When you hear the results for yourself you’ll be very pleased we did!
As always, Ruth Kilpatrick was there to tell us about it:
Having played a gig in one of Newcastle’s venues the night before, staying in the studio accommodation was the most sensible option for all. Not only did this stave off inevitable frostbite, it also went a long way towards creating a suitably relaxed atmosphere – setting the tone for the entire day.
For any of you familiar with Ex Libras‘ debut album Suite(s) you’ll be aware of their incredible ability to create a growing sense of almost tangible tension through their music. You could be forgiven for thinking that their current ‘acoustic’ EP Cut(s) may have lost some of that intensity through the re-arrangements of those tracks – however, with the introduction of cellist Ruth Campbell combined with Cat Calton on violin, there’s a very different, yet still surprisingly powerful, sense of emotion running throughout both the EP and the session itself.
Songs such as I am home create an almost disturbing level of calm within the studio environment; Amit’s voice is so effortlessly sweet that it’s often at odds with the subject matter and the depth of the music itself. Although instead of being lost amongst the loops and strings as you may expect, they seem to balance each other out perfectly.
Ross Kenning and Kieran Nagi on drums and keys respectively make up the other two permanent members of the band and it’s a pleasure to see them work together so effectively. Despite the negative connotations that come with words like ‘tension’ and ‘disturbing’, the entire session is almost exquisite in its unapologetic gloom and I for one feel incredibly lucky to have heard it first hand.
You should make an effort to get your hands on their latest EP as not only will you then own some lovely new music, but also because Ex Libras are one of those bands that want to make the listening experience a three dimensional affair and have included some sneaky little extras for your listening and viewing pleasure. Cut(s) may be my new favourite possession, very special indeed.
You can hear the Ex Libras sessions on Amazing Radio on The Afternoon Show, from 3pm today, on Amazing Radio. Alternatively check The Amazing Sessions page to listen to Ex Libras, and all the other artists that have graced our studios, whenever you like.
Tags: Amazing Radio, amazingtunes.com, ex libras, The Amazing Sessions
