There’s a sense of searching and mystery nestled in the music of Owls of the Swamp, the atmospheric indie-folk project of Australian singer-songwriter, Pete Uhlenbruch. His forthcoming album ATLAS was mixed in Reykjavik by Sturla Mio Thorisson (Damien Rice, Markéta Irglová, Owen Pallett) and features guest performances from Markéta Irglová (The Swell Season), Ryan Karazija (Low Roar), Myrra Rós, Svavar Knútur and Phia. Recorded on his mobile studio across Germany, Iceland and the UK, ATLAS heralds a new voice for Owls of The Swamp — sweeping synthesizers, dynamic textures and rhythmic programming alongside his characteristic finger-picking and earthy vocals. The album, due out May 6th, 2014 on Labelship, ignites the never-ending desire to better understand one’s expanding environment. ATLAS offers a friendly and internal comfort for those carrying the weight of the world upon their shoulders, especially for those in search of a place to call home. ATLAS acts just like the soft voice of reason. “Garden” is an airy, dream-like waltz that lends simple yet elegant guitar phrases. It feels just like a heartbeat, one that shows Uhlenbruch’s ability to create a grandiose and angelic landscape of sound. “Shapeshifter”, a rhythmic lullaby, is a soft and breathy sing-a-long. “The Hypnotist” tells the story of a haunted relationship between a hypnotist and his estranged lover. Cascading piano melodies and ghostly backing vocals from Irglová and the subtle production of Thorisson add a surreal and otherworldly dimension to this memorable song. “Shelter” shows Uhlenbruch’s ability to turn a pop song on its head with his combination of haunting vocals and his prudent reflection: no matter where we set up our home, one day we’ll have to pack up and move on.
Owls of the Swamp – Garden
‘Garden’ is the latest single off the forthcoming album ATLAS, due for release in May 2014. Recorded by Pete Uhlenbruch. Mixed by Sturla Mio Thorisson. Mastered by Audiobomber @ Castle Mastering.
His last album Go with River (2011) was received as “one of the sleeper hits of the year” (Timber and Steel) and “new folk music at its best” (Sony Ericsson Music Blogger). There is no doubt that location has played an influential role in the development of Uhlenbruch’s sound. His debut album Smoky Bay (2007) was an ambitious concept album that sought to capture the strange coincidences, connections and charismatic characters that shaped his experience living in Iceland. Uhlenbruch’s deeply embedded Wanderlust has also led him to perform extensively throughout Australia, Germany, Iceland, the UK, Poland and the Czech Republic. His arresting yet personal live performances have led to tours with artists such as Žamboši (CZ), Myrra Rós (IS) and Svavar Knútur (IS) as well as supports for Machine Translations (AU), Old Man River (AU), the Paradise Motel (AU) and Jens Lekman (SE).
Owls of the Swamp – Garden Lyrics:
