AMP

Amp formed out of the musical wanderings of Richard Walker (b. England) formerly in 'The Secret Garden' with Dave Pearce now of 'Flying Saucer Attack'. They recorded together the 'Distance' project from which one track 'November Mist' finally saw the light of day on the FSA album 'Distance' in 1994.

The first Amp release was an audio- cassette, accompanied by a short story, written and recorded in 1992, entitled 'Green sky Blue Tree'. In London 1993/94 Richard's 'Green sky…' inspires singer Karine Charff (b. France) and after joining Richard, AMP's first single 'Get There' is released on Linda's Strange Vacation Records. Both initially recorded some material at home and in Wales with friends Matt Elliiot of 'Third Eye Foundation' and Matt Jones of 'Crescent'.
The first two singles were released in 1995, the album 'Sirenes' was released in 1996 in the UK and USA.

"…Amp douse their folk melodies in oceanic effects, with a commitment to fidelity so low it would make a philander blush…Amp have created a soundtrack that actually attempts to address their imaginary film they are scoring…" Christopher Porter, Alternative Press 1996.

After the two members 'Matts' departed to work on their respective projects. Karine and Richard recorded some more material in London and Wales with G. Mitchell and G. Cooper resulting in the first album for the Kranky label 'Astralmoonbeamprojections' released in 1997.

".... Amp's Kranky debut is a panoramic sweep of experimentation, encompassing cavernously loud soundscapes, murmured vocals and a paradoxical blend of violent ethereality…" Tom Ridge, The Wire.1997

".... Amp is the most beautiful band currently in existence. Their music, ideas and approach to the art of sound is incredibly honest to an immaculate end…" Eric Kowalski, Millk 1997.

1998 saw Amp restructuring more closely around bi-polar forces of Karine and Richard. They work with Olivier Gauthier from France for programming, Producer Robert Hampson (Loop/Main) and together record the album 'Stenorette'.

"The Amp duo's second album for Kranky marks an obvious change in approach from 1997 Astralmoon… Here Amp makes conspicuous use of electronic beats to provide solid structures for the glacial beauty of their music…" Tom Ridge, The Wire Jan. 99.

After releasing the second Album on Kranky Records, Amp toured Europe in 1999 as a duo centred around Richard and Karine.

Space Age Recordings is Amp's new home in 2000, from which we can find first release of 'Saint Cecilia Sinsemilla' a collection of Live recordings during their European tour in 1999 including a radio session for VPRO Radio 5 in Amsterdam.

"... Hearing Amp in what is (for most people) a new context, creates a new perspective for looking at not only this release, but previous releases. I have found myself returning to their other albums and enjoying them even more than before…" Pete Baumann, Fake Jazz.com. Oct.2001.

"Lamour Invisible' was released in June 02 on Space Age Recordings. Recorded in London with Richard Walker, Karine Charff and Olivier Gauthier. Around this time the band toured Europe more often.

"… And with L'Amour Invisible, I finally discovered this truly eclectic leftfield band. What they present to us in just over an hour is amazing in variety and quality. Never have I heard a band that combines different musical styles so easily as Amp…" Bas Ickenroth, KindaMuzik. Oct 2002

Amp's 5th studio album entitled 'US' released earlier this year 05 on Very Friendly. The new album marks another development in their sound, to one which is bolder and more direct. Richard and Karine are joined by Marc Challans, Donald Ross Skinner (Julian Cope) and Ray Dickaty (ex. Spiritualized).

'… Expansive in its claustrophobia, propelled by its own density and darkness,, it is a panegyric to a transatlantic apocalypse." Nick Southgate, The Wire April 05.