Octopi and Elephants

Jherek Bischoff is an extremely prolific musician whose previous bands you may have heard of, but you may have never heard his name before. Over the last decade Bischoff has forged a very worthy musical career, as a member (in one form or another) of The Dead Science, Xiu Xiu and Parenthetical Girls and as a producer behind two very impressive albums, Casiotone For The Painfully Alone’s Etiquette and Parenthetical Girls’ Safe As Houses. He is a multi-talented instrumentalist/producer, composing and arranging on a number of different instruments, has latest work under the name Ribbons sees him finally going it solo.

On December 1, 2008, Bischoff released the first Ribbons album. Titled Royals, the album was so popular it has now completely sold out. The album points Bischoff in a very different musical direction from his previous projects, pouring layers of orchestral arrangements into a mixing bowl of skewed electronics and heavy beats. His voice floats above the music with a delicate poise, displaying wisdom and earthiness that is uplifting and dreamy. While most of the music is composed and written by Bischoff, he has employed the help of other capable musicians to complete the project. Of most significance is Mayumi Heider who adds vocals to a number of tracks; striking in a more confrontational style to Bischoff, her voice is the perfect contrast to his.

On Ribbons myspace page their is a song performed with a full live orchestra. I recommend taking a listen, it is truly magical.

Ribbons- Myspace

Ribbons- Children’s Song: MP3

Ribbons- The Last And Least Likely: MP3

 

Posted by Nick Fulton under U.S.A