Exclusive! First Listen To Arêtes – ‘Climbing Up And Chucking Rocks’

Formed back in 2011 by Brian Semple and James Grisbrook, Arêtes are a five-piece band creating alluring amalgamations of shoegaze, folk and electronica that will tingle the spine and haunt the soul. Now, with the addition of Daryl Sweet (guitar, mandolin and banjo), Ryan Harkness and Ray Moody (drums), the band regularly gig in and around London and are now about to release their debut album, ‘Mission Creep’.

Self produced at their home studio in Brixton, the album took its inspiration from literary themes and – with its eclectic array of influences and collection of contrasting sounds – is impossible to pigeonhole into one particular genre. Despite the variation of themes throughout the album, however, Semple explains that all the songs are connected in some way:  “The thing that links those influences is that they are all about people who are really on the margins of society.

The first single to come from the album, ‘Climbing Up and Chucking Rocks’  is a hauntingly atmospheric track, featuring vocals from Binisa Bonner from afro-beat band, Ruby And The Vines. With a dreamy, ethereal aura and with traces of King Joffrey’s favourite Icelanders – Sigur Ros – this unique creation offers an enchanting insight into the beautiful world of Arêtes.

You can have first listen to ‘Climbing Up And Chucking Rocks’ exclusively here:

And, if you like what you hear, get yourself down to the album launch of ‘Mission Creep’ at The Finsbury on Saturday 10th May, where physical copies of the album will be available to buy – https://www.facebook.com/events/548563388591192.

You can also get your hands on the album from iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and the Arêtes bandcamp page.

Mari Lane

Mari Lane

Editor, London. Likes: Kathleen Hanna, 6Music, live music in the sunshine. Dislikes: Sexism, pineapples, the misuse of apostrophes.