Photo by Alex Kozobolis
Erland Cooper is to follow up 2018’s sublime Solan Goose LP with a new album titled Sule Skerry, billed as the second album in a planned triptych inspired by the musician’s childhood home The Orkney Islands.
While Solan Goose explored the bird life of the area, Sule Skerry goes deep into the North Sea. It’s out on 17 May via Phases, and released on recycled vinyl, CD and download.
The first track from the project ‘Haar’ named after a sea mist in Orkney, can be heard below, along with an accompanying video in collaboration with visual artist Alex Kozobolis.
Says Cooper: “It’s a record about the sea, our relationship with the outside world, forces outside of our control but it’s also about creating a nest within that, nurturing and protecting our own sea havens, those sheltered bays, those safe places. Always returning back in some form, as we step in and out daily."
With Cooper on piano, Minimoog and tape loops, his band is comprised of Anna Phoebe (violin), Jacob Downs (viola), Lottie Greenhow (soprano) and new addition Klara Schumann (cello).
A few live dates have been announced for Cooper so far. On 30 March he plays a Caught By The River evening at Hebden Bridge Trades Club (which also features tQ’s Luke Turner among others).
On 16 May he plays a sold-out show at The Barbican’s Milton Court, while on 24 May he plays Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall. Tickets for the Edinburgh show are on sale now and available here.
