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Tounge Depressor | Masaya Ozaki

  • Mengi 2 Óðinsgata 101, Reykjavík Iceland (map)

"Is it DIY basement folk? Experimental classical? 20th century minimalism? Neo-drone? We're not completely sure, and that's precisely why we're hooked. Essential gear." -Boomkat

The long-standing project of Henry Birdsey and Zach Rowden, Tongue Depressor has evolved a mythic drone vernacular over the course of a broad series of albums since their inception in 2017. Rooted in shared sonic language that references western swing, gothic americana, and the spectralist avant-garde, their work together embodies glacial sonic forms that are both monolithic on the exterior and microscopically shifting on the interior.

McCowen, of course, is no stranger to this sort of tonal depth and color, having struck up a creative partnership with Rowden after relocating to Brooklyn in 2018. The two bonded immediately upon meeting–thanks to their mutual obsession with the works of composer Iancu Dumitrescu–and played together frequently, developing a deeply resonant connection as a performing duo.

These two projects gradually drifted toward one another, eventually overlapping into a humble sort of "super group," and ultimately resulting in the work that comprises 'Blame Tuning.' Their shared country upbringing and excitement over similar sonic phenomena would make the realization of these jams almost necessary. "The feeling I get from playing with Zach and Henry is reminiscent of my early years in punk and improvised music," explained McCowen via email. "People with similar obsessions getting together with a shared excitement for when things are somehow magically 'on.'

Henry Birdsey - bagpipes, etc

John McCowen - contrabass clarinet, blöckflutes

Zaxh Rowden - double bass

Masaya Ozaki

Improvisation using objects, feedbacks, tape-loops, and a string instrument

Doors 19:30 | Tickets 2500 kr

Earlier Event: January 10
Sinis-Ásgeirsson dúó
Later Event: January 25
Moses Hightower