The Cromagnon Band’s Remarkable Journey and their Inventive Album, Mode, Unleashed in 2024
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Emerging from a meticulous procedure of combining multiple music elements, The Cromagnon Band, a trio and a fixture on the music scenes since 2015, gave birth to their astounding album – ‘Mode’. The creative process involved the team jamming out to their favorite tunes in the studio until they gave shape to an entirely fresh piece of music that would stand out in itself, away from its original source. The group – Tom Watt, Lenny Walker, and Bert Page, molded the ensuing melodies into cohesive songs, demonstrating the art of reverse engineering at its finest. Yet, the entire process was cloaked in a paradox, being both restricted and allowed to flow freely by the 100% live jamming approach.
The London-based Cromagnon Band had already made waves in the music industry even before releasing any original work. They had a stint on a compilation by Andy Votel and Doug Shipton’s Finder Keepers record label and were sampled by The Go! Team. Their breakout record, while hard to describe, amalgamated elements of jazz and hip-hop. The Band’s unique method, often referred to as ‘reverse engineering,’ involves dismantling musical elements they love and reconstructing them intricately, thereby coining the term ‘Dismantle.’
“Mode,” The Cromagnon Band’s sophomore album, is profound, containing only instrumental tracks that evoke a sense of freedom for listeners, to perceive and visualize as they deem fit. Proclaiming a transcendental and transporting vibe, these compositions are a maelstrom of ideas, each encapsulating the essence of cinematic and psychedelic dark funk. With the varied musical backgrounds of the band members, Mode exhibits their love for Nordic psych/jazz, classical music, boom-bap hip-hop beats, and hefty rock antics resembling early Black Sabbath.
Being a notable studio ensemble, the Cromagnon Band also flaunts its live trio performances. They adapt their music to the venue, with Bert showcasing his versatility on the Moog and Rhodes simultaneously. Each of the band members brings their flavor to the table – Tom and Lenny are rooted in music production, while Bert, a classically trained musician, accentuates the band’s compositions with the sax and clarinet.
Through a revolutionary process and their unwavering commitment to the cultivation of music, The Cromagnon Band has exhibited a delightful array of musical swatches, which are vividly encapsulated in their latest offering – ‘Mode.’ Other musical artists such as Andy Votel and The Go! Team stand testament to this trio’s awe-inspiring talent. “Mode,” scheduled for a digital and vinyl LP release under BBE Music, is The Cromagnon Band’s debut project with the label, hinting at even brighter music horizons in their future.
Learn more about The Cromagnon Band