To demonstrate their powers they began playing their music, and I have to say what a magical mesh of sonic signatures their sound involved. As they weaved their spell on me, instruments I had long assumed consigned to the dustbin of history were unearthed. Battered old synthesizers, car boot keyboards and melodicas all complemented the set up, yet it was also the alchemic atmosphere in the studio that aided the treat.
"Trial and Error Studios (an apt name I thought as their electronic experiments resembled the feverish approach of the amateur scientist) has grown into a shrine to strange instruments and creativity. It’s a secretive place, dimly lit and we don’t let many people in and when they do they are required to wear special shoes as you’ve seen. It’s an old artists studio, there’s ivy growing up the walls, the ceiling leaks, there’s not much light and there’s musical junk piled in all corners and hanging on the walls - old broken keyboards, drum kits and toys - we love it."
Their computer was also very receptive to the cold and would only co-operate when wrapped in swaddling clothes and allowed to sit next to the radiator. But what sounds. Resembling an electronic acid choral society, chemistry really is what they are, which is handy I guess as their album is titled ‘Chemistry Is What We Are’. A collusion between delightfully iridescent pop, lysergic narco dub suites and experimental electronic jams, their’s is a wonderful wide-eyed furtive funk folktronica. It reminded me of an absinthe party I’d once been to. Lovely.
"The name Trial and Error really sums up our attitude towards making music. The mistakes along the way are as important as the goal you are striving for. We’re too impatient to always wait for the technically perfect performance. We like to capture the pure essence of the process and are happy to leave in the crackle from a dirty pot, the accidental note or the sound of the batteries running out. In that way we employ a first take philosophy. If you like our songs then come to the church and you’ll be part of a very interesting experience. We’ll leave it at that."
Confused? Don’t be, lend Simian your ears and allow yourself to be held hostage.
Protection - we do a lot of it these days. Sun cream for our skin, sunglasses for our eyes, condoms for you know where - but do you remember to protect your hearing?
Click to find all the information you need to look after your hearing now so you can enjoy music for years to come
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