02 June 2023 - 0 Comments

Kirikiriroa-based Portland, Oregon ex-pat Brandon De La Cruz has released Disguise, the lead single from his forthcoming fourth album Two Kilos Of Blue, which will be released on August 25, 2023.

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De La Cruz began writing the lyrics to Disguise after reading a story about Rabbi Dov Baer from Martin Buber's 'Tales of the Hasidim'. The recording features a pitched-down sample of Big Boy Cleveland's Quill Blues and the backing vocals of Nicole Vaughn (Didyan).

A meditative, psychedelic reverie, it was recorded by the artist at a studio in the Frankton neighbourhood of Kirikiriroa between March and September 2021.

Having released albums inspired by the works of Rainer Maria Rilke, Joan Didion and Ovid, Two Kilos Of Blue sees the artist draw on images and experiences from a spectrum of chapters from his own life.

The record brings together songs written over a 10-year period, linked thematically by love, loss, spirits, seasons, shades of blue and the moon. Painstakingly recorded and arranged over two years at the artist’s studio in Kirikiriroa, each track is a balancing act of consideration and spontaneity.

Simultaneous, unfolding layers of voices, samples and guitars reveal a narrative steeped in longing and mystery. Many of the songs directly invoke emotional and cultural associations with Blue, while others imply it through their atmosphere.

The title of the album refers to a saying of Cezanne’s: “Two kilos of blue is a lot bluer than one,” which in reference to these songs could speak to the layering of shades and moods in each voice, in each song – compounding to create a dark, plumbless opus.

Two Kilos Of Blue is available for pre-order here.

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