Such is the degree to which Rich(ard) Dawson has drawn down long drafts from the whirlpools of Elemental North Eastern Archetypes, he may now be one himself.
Fearless in his research and willingness to follow his inspiration, Dawson has created an impressive catalogue of music and storytelling steeped in both ancient myths and contemporary dread. A fog of sickness, trauma and mute inevitability inhabits these records and is often expressed in the havoc with which Dawson’s hands produce sounds from his long-suffering guitar, an instrument as bruised, individual and indefatigable as its owner.
His new album released earlier this year, ‘End of the Middle’ is a wonkily beautiful peer into the workings of the family unit, perhaps several generations of the same family: “I wanted this record to be small-scale and very domestic”, Dawson explains, “to be stripped back, stark and naked, and let the lyrics and melodies speak for themselves and for the people in the songs”. By paring things right back what is revealed is a suite of remarkably poised, oddly elegant, beautiful music.
Line-Up Includes
Lands and Body
In 2024 – over 20 years after making their debut as noise-rock duo That F*cking Tank, James Islip and Andy Abbott returned with new project Lands & Body. The gear remains the same – baritone guitar played through multiple amplifiers and drums. The approach, however, has matured like a fine Cask Ale. Math-rock riffs have become interlocking fingerpicked patterns and rhythms, ear-bleeding noise has given way to spacious dynamics. Double-digit song lengths and twin-neck guitar appearances up the prog factor. The signature Tank groove and interplay underpins an expanded palette of influences drawn from post-rock, minimalist folk, free jazz and desert blues.
Worriedaboutsatan
Ambient, minimalistic electronica thats glacially paced with 808 beats, riding waves of grainy, retro synth crescendo’s and atmospheric guitar loops awash with ominous overtones. Worriedaboutaatan’s experimental soundscapes have stretched well beyond a decade and previous releases have garnered high praise from the likes of Pitchfork, Electronic Sound Magazine, Resident Advisor and Prog Magazine.
Stephanie Hladowski
A remarkable folk singer from Shipley with a voice that seems to carry centuries. Her work with guitarist C. Joynes on The Wild Wild Berry drew comparisons to Shirley Collins and Davey Graham, and she continues to breathe life into traditional English song with rare clarity and emotional depth. One for lovers of song, story, and the power of the human voice.
About Endless Hum
A collaborative effort organised by five local artists, musicians and friends based in the world heritage site of Saltaire and Shipley, Bradford. They came together over a mutual craving for experimental music following the pandemic and aim to bring something interesting to the local community, showcasing diverse experimental music we love and admire whatever the genre. Since their first show in 2022 the Endless Hum have put on the likes of GNOD, Irked, Objections, AJA, Container, USA Nails, Thank, Sly & The Family Drone, Cowtown, Thee Alcoholics, Blacklisters and Ultimate Thunder.
