Operahouse 'Genius Child' Video
There is something inherently special about discovering stunning new music – you need to savour each bite, take your time, not expect an instant empty sugar rush. Operahouse serve up rich and meaty sonic feasts. Fear not, for if your ears fall off, they will at least have died of happiness. Fans of the five-piece from London are renowned for their good taste. Take label owner, Dominic Hardisty, whose last discovery was the Killers who did rather well. It takes a lot to get him excited and Operahouse blew his head off. “In an age of throwaway downloads, when bands struggle to get two half-decent tracks on an album, these guys have made a record worthy of a Pink Floyd or Tears for Fears. They are disgustingly talented.”
Disgusting talent attracts the disgustingly talented. Multi-platinum winning Embrace guitarist and producer Richard McNamara captained their monstrous, soon to be released, debut album 'Escape from the Sun'. Dave Bascombe, perhaps the world's greatest mixer, stirred the magic ingredients together. John Davis squeezed time for them into his schedule whilst mastering the new U2 album to ensure that the record sounds just about as big and special as it gets. The results, out on April 6th, are, as you will discover, astounding.
Do not take our word for it, do not take the word of the media for it, do not take the word of the radio stations for it. Just press play and listen. Enjoy lyrics of true substance; dissecting subject matter that dares deviate from the normal confines of commercial music. Music that challenges, confounds and surprises. Take your time, breathe it in, good and deep. “You have to have a record that makes other people want to make a record – that's what I have always thought MAKES a great album,” says electric frontman Johnny Lloyd. “You hear it and you think s**t! I want to be in a band, I want to make some music.”
Making music alongside him is guitarist Alex Kaines who he met in a North London cafe, bass wizard and old school friend Jimmy Cratchley, drum king Ben Niblett and keyboard maestro Dan White. They burst onto the scene in 2008, supporting bands such as The Automatic and Dirty Pretty Things and winning early support from the likes of Zane Lowe and XFM. 2009 is destined to be the year when the masses share the secret.
The band's musical innovation is reflected in all parts of the Operahouse experience. Escapefromthesun.com is a remarkable interactive joy, cryptic and warped to match their lyrics. It boasts games, quizzes, practical jokes, hidden clues, sounds, images and cartoons twinned to their songs. “We want to offer people more than just the record,” reveals Johnny. “It's not just about buying music anymore. it's about buying into the band in every different way.”
Prepare to be dazzled. Welcome to Operahouse.
The album: Escape from the Sun / 6th April 2009 / Marrakesh Records
The single: Genius Child / 30 March 2009 /Marrakesh Records