Oxford art rock band KONE release their new single Downtown on Friday 9th June, and will release their debut album KONE ONE on independent record label Divine Schism in July.
KONE make art music for guitars. The three members write collectively for guitars, voice and drums, treating each instrument equally. Their songs are sparse, heavy and dance-like - built from shifting, interlocking patterns.
Those patterns find unique expression on the band’s new single ‘Downtown’. The track begins with a bass heavy irregular groove, establishing an artful, thick rhythm which Alice’s near classical vocals float ethereally over. Then, an abrupt shift. The bass picks out a stark new direction, the guitars get increasingly urgent and frenetic and the song mutates into an intricate, muscular post punk rocker as it hurtles toward its conclusion.
Speaking about the single, the band said: “This is a song about migration using historical New York City as a setting. The drum, bass and guitar parts lock together closely, giving a taut, claustrophobic feel. The second half is great to play; it’s our chance to turn the intensity dial up to ‘max’”
The band’s debut album KONE ONE was recorded with Henry Dartnall of Young Knives. It was made in 10 days (across 5 years) at Henry's magical-realist studio in rural Oxfordshire (plus 2 days at Shonk in Oxford with John Halliday), and mixed across the web during the pandemic.
KONE signed to Divine Schism for this single and will release the album KONE ONE on the independent label in July. The album sees the band continue to develop their minimal style; often, two notes is all it takes. Across many of the 8 tracks, there are pockets where just the right amount is given or held back to keep you there with them. The dialogue between instruments and voices in their songs creates unusual shapes and spaces that invite you to climb into their world.
‘Downtown’ is out digitally on Friday 9th June. The album will be out on Divine Schism on 21st July on cassette tape and digital. The band will play album launch shows in Oxford and London, at Modern Art Oxford on the day of release, and London’s Ivy House on Tuesday 25th July
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