Following the slower, more spacious and meditative sound of the 2021 single, Burst Through The Borders, Twisted Cord sees Caulbearers back with their signature dark funk grooves and bitter-sweet, multi-layered laments along with B-side ‘Synching’ (Bubbling Spring Remix).
The wonderful artwork for the single is an original piece created by Ben Taylor, a painter and sculptor who often combines natural materials and up-cycled gems to create incredible, large-scale pieces of work. These reflect Ben’s reverence for nature, plants & magic, depicting some of the profound experiences of ancient spiritual traditions he has been initiated into.
Ben Taylor also collaborated with Latent Variables and Damien Mahoney on the official video for the song – coming out in early March! (Teaser here).
Words
The lyrics for ‘Twisted Cord’ explore how intense events in our lives can act like initiations by shaking up, radically changing and enriching our perspectives. Sometimes we need to break down or be broken apart, in order to come back together stronger and with greater understanding. The healing of our wounds over time can transform into wisdom, bringing more colour, depth and detail to the tapestry of our lives.
The song also celebrates the concept of Animism – the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence.
(Pictured left to right: Olivia Moore, John Ellis, Ben Taylor).
Sound & Production
With pulsating guitar hooks and distorted drum breaks, Twisted Cord explores different tonalities usually associated with Flamenco, Arabic music and Indian ragas. enhanced by renowned violinist Olivia Moore, known for her work fusing jazz with Indian classical music.
Other acclaimed Manchester musicians also guesting on the track include pianist John Ellis (The Cinematic Orchestra, John Squire (Stone Roses, Corinne Bailey Rae, Tom Jones, Lily Allen) and bassist Alex Berry (The Earlies, King Creosote, Thea Gilmore, Micah P Hinson).
Core members Anton Hunter on guitar (Beats and Pieces Big Band, Article XI), and Stefan Skrimshire on cello are joined by Phil Bennett on the drums.
Ethereal folk artist, Ruth Blake joins Damien Mahoney on vocals in her ongoing collaboration with the band.
Written, recorded, produced & edited by Damien Mahoney at Padded Cell Studio (except piano & keys recorded by John Ellis at Limefield Studio)
Mixed by Seadna McPhail (Badly Drawn Boy, Doves, Jah Wobble, Everything Everything, Thea Gilmore, I Am Kloot, Happy Mondays) at Airtight Studios.
Mastered by Jim Spencer (New Order, Johnny Marr, Charlatans, Factory Floor) at Eve Mastering.
