One of experimental rock’s most stacked modern supergroups is back, and we’re thrilled to once again premiere a track from their new project. For those who missed our premiere for “Here In My Heart It Is What It Is” last year, NOUS features a varied and seasoned lineup led by producer and composer Christopher Bono (Ghost Against Ghost) and featuring Greg Fox (Guardian Alien, Zs, Ben Frost, ex-Liturgy), Shahzad Ismaily (Yoko Ono, Laurie Anderson, Bonnie Prince Billy), Thor Harris (Swans, Angels of Light, Amanda Palmer, Shearwater), and Grey Mcmurray (itsnotyouitsme, So Percussion, Tyondai Braxton). If you’re somehow unconvinced by that lineup alone, then we’re glad to provide a chance to experience the band’s music for yourself. Check below to stream “Blush,” a short but potent track from NOUS III.
NOUS III is the “third installment from the lineup and concepts which comprised the band’s opening trilogy of releases.” Here’s a bit of context for this track from Bono:
“Blush” was born on day two of the Dreamland sessions. It was the first time we invited guest musicians to join the core quintet. Friends Anthony Molina (Mercury Rev), Hariprakaash (gong), and Norwegian vocalist Cecilie Hafstad came in for the afternoon and evening session. The three of them have a strong background in ambient and meditative music, their presence immediately pulled us into trancelike tendencies, as can be heard in the drone bass experiments here. This track was a short snippet of the evening stretch of experimentation that produced tracks like “Dancing Marvels,” “Never Can It Be,” and “Kindness.”
These elements shine through clearly on “Blush,” a track that embodies everything I love about the group’s previous offerings. Even with a compact 4-minute runtime, the collective conjures a transfixing instrumental display that keeps with the band’s “Godspeed You! Black Emperor playing krautrock” ethos. Shades of 2010s Swans also appear in the track, likely thanks to Thor’s contributions. Overall, the track is alluring and should draw listeners in as they anticipate experiencing the album in full. Personally, I’m eager to hear what’s become my most anticipated album dropping this month.
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NOUS III is available May 29 via Our Silent Canvas.