Oakland, California and London, UK-based cinematic ambient trio IONOPHORE – founded by members of Vastum, Fyrhtu, Not Quite So, Betterthief and more – will unveil their lush fourth album, Knells, independently at the end of February.
IONOPHORE is the project of multi-instrumentalists Leila Abdul-Rauf (Vastum, Fyrhtu, Terebellum), Janek Hendrich (Qepe, Not Quite So, Betterthief), and Ryan Honaker (Souls And Cities, Betterthief). Formed in 2012, the trio continues to weave their trademark cinematic dark electronics and organic elements, melding the orchestral strings of Honaker with the horns and voice of Abdul-Rauf, embellished with the electronic flourishes of Hendrich.
IONOPHORE‘s fourth full-length, Knells is the follow-up to 2018’s well-received Whetter. The record sees the group exploring a more introspective, neoclassical sound, pondering a weightless feeling of late-night stillness and ambience, interrupted by elements of lethargic jazz on “Take Its Course” and the distant anguish of whirring machines on “Our Garden.” The album closes with the cool glow of “Contemplation,” bringing calm to the preceding events.
Produced by the band, mastered by Myles Boisen at Headless Buddha, and completed with cover art and layout by Janek Hendrich, Knells offers IONOPHORE’s most captivating and immersive material to date.
IONOPHORE will self-release Knells digitally on February 26th. Find preorders HERE.
IONOPHORE:
Leila Abdul-Rauf – trumpet, vocals, lyrics, guitar, piano, synths, ebow
Janek Hendrich – piano, guitar, synths, ebow, electronics
Ryan Honaker – violin, guitar, piano, synths, electronics
