Jerome Alexander, the multi-instrumentalist behind MTB, combines layers of rustic strings, crisp acoustic guitar and a warm, almost wordless vocal melody – a sound which builds throughout each song and across the whole album.
The resolution of each crescendo – after the communal, folksy accumulation of voices, strings and other instruments – is either triumphant, or left to crumble away on a breeze of bird song and crackling ambience.
‘Folding Leaves, the latest record from Message to Bears, takes the idea of something rustic and organic and tenderly crafts it into musical origami: something complex and detailed, yet gracefully simple.
Message To Bears | Mountains
httpv://https://youtube.com/watch?v=kXcOyYEldZY
Message To Bears began in 2007 as the bedroom recording project of instrumentalist Jerome Alexander. In 2007 Jerome self-released his first set of home recordings (simply titled EP1) which sold out almost instantly thereby catalysing a conversation with the then newly-formed Dead Pilot Records about a re-issue.
Having discovered a commonly-shared ethos, Dead Pilot Records and Alexander decided to work together again for Message To Bears’ second release (Departures), an album which was overflowing with lush strings and saw the first introduction of voice into Jerome’s recordings.
Message To Bears | Everything Was Covered In Snow
httpv://https://youtube.com/watch?v=GXhcrgJwFbU
The 3rd album ‘Folding Leaves’ was released in January 2012 through Dead Pilot Records (UK) and Nature Bliss (JPN). Here he brings us 10 tracks of his gorgeous acoustic guitar driven melancholy, beginning with the the aptly titled “Running Through Woodland”, the track sets a menacing pace with layers of guitars and cellos.
“Hidden Beneath” is driven by a stomping pulse and delightful percussion. Plenty of glock action and viola sweeps, uplifting choral vocals and delicate piano lines, this is Jerome at his finest yet, showcasing a brilliant melodic ability, combining classical instrumentation into a folk/pop structure taking cues from bands such as Explosions in the Sky.
This is an album that will leave you speechless every time you listen as you uncover new hidden details, textures and melodies.
Presented by Digital in Berlin and highly recommended! We are giving away 2 x 2 tickets for this show. Just send a mail to win@digitalinberlin.de with “Message To Bears” as the subject.
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Message To Bears LIVE
presented by Digital in Berlin
Thursday, 19 April 2012 | 21:00 CET
Monarch | Skalitzer Str. 134 | 10999 Berlin/Kreuzberg
messagetobears.com | kottimonarch.de
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