Stealing Sheep’s acclaimed 2012 debut, ‘Into the Diamond Sun’, morphed their individual styles to create a ‘medieval-kraut-folk’ inspired sound. They were described as an unanticipated ‘pagan pop revival’ and since its release have toured as guests of Postal Service and Alt-J, opened for St.Vincent in Paris, performed the songs of David Lynch at the Barbican and collaborated with the Radiophonic Workshop on an original soundtrack to the cult 70’s science fiction film ‘La Planete Sauvage’.
For their second album they have concentrated on developing the sonic aesthetic of their music. They’ve experimented with tuned percussion, programmed beats, trigger samples and worked with effected synths, utilising the guitar and lap steel more sparingly and introducing more processed sounds. They’ve drawn inspiration from 50’s exotica, electronic music and 80’s pop and been influenced by the likes of Grace Jones, Maya Deren, Eden Ahbez, Delia Derbyshire, Moondog and John Carpenter.
Having learned new skills in the studio over the last few years, the band self-produced the album. They used the studio not only as a writing tool but also as an instrument; experimenting with post-production and varying instrumentation and layered textures. Follow them on a hypnagogic journey as they sing: “listen to yourself and look within” and tread the lines of surreal pop.
In the meantime, listen to their dangerously addictive, hook-laden new single “Not Real” – the title track to their much-anticipated second album, due to be released on 13 April via Heavenly Recordings.
Support comes from Gwenno – layered, home-fi keyboard sounds wrapped in echoed vocals and musique concrète-inspired beats.
The Picturehouse Cafe Bar is open beforehand for delicious food and drinks.