"I kind of feel like I’m not worthy. I’ve always enjoyed the Baker’s Dozen, but I feel like this should happen in ten years’ time."
Over the past decade and a half, Kavus Torabi has been a very busy boy and has emerged as a key figure in British psychedelic and progressive music: as guitarist for Guapo, Cardiacs, Chrome Hoof and Gong; as the driving force of projects such as the much-missed (at least by me) The Monsoon Bassoon, Admirals Hard, Authority and, principally, Knifeworld (whose glorious second album, The Unravelling is fresh on the shelves); as the founder of the Believers Roast label; and as regular co-host of Steve Davis’ weekly celebration of prog- and freak-music, the Interesting Alternative Show on Phoenix FM. Short of single-handedly achieving world peace through the discovery of an ancient, quasi-mystical harmonic frequency that unifies human consciousness, it’s difficult to see what else Torabi could do to deem himself Baker’s Dozen-worthy.
He talks us through 13 pivotal albums in his personal history, though not necessarily those currently on regular rotation. "If I was going to pick what I’ve been listening to in the last ten years it would be all Steely Dan," says Torabi. "Most of these pertain to a particular period of my life, between about 1988 and 1992, when everything seemed to happen – leaving school, leaving home, developing a strong interest in psychedelics, forming a proper band. It was almost like lifting up a rock and finding a whole new species underneath that I just instantly identified with. I was hearing all this music that just felt like it was designed for me. It completely rewired everything."
The Unravelling is out now via Inside Out Music. Knifeworld play three dates in the UK next month: The Musician in Leicester on September 2, Zephyr Lounge in Leamington Spa, 4, and The Lexington in London, 5; head to their website for full details. Click on his image below to begin scrolling through Kavus’ choices
