Lullabye Arkestra
Biography
The bass and drum duo of Lullabye Arkestra was formed in Toronto by Justin (drums) and Katia (bass). Signed to Constellation - a label famed for its apocalyptic guitar symphonies - the Arkestra are something of an anomaly, being simultaneously small in number and big in a joyous, carefree soul sound unlike anything else on their label - or on any label, for that matter. The core sound is usually beefed up with horns, vocals and organs to create music that swiftly rises from funky, stripped-down bass riffs to crescendos of gospel-tinged wailing rock. Their slow, swampy, overdriven cover of “Summertime” was an early signature tune, along with a clutch of original rave-ups ranging from one- minute combustions of riffage and hollering to longer, fuzzed-out R&B numbers, often marked by those sincere but sassy boy/girl call-and-response vocals that make everyone’s day.
Ampgrave, Lullabye Arkestra’s first record for Constellation, is packed with pummeling soul grooves, cacophonies of horns and even a ten-strong choir, all underpinned by the endearingly unabashed attitude that has characterised the duo from the outset. Ticking influences ranging from The Gossip’s stylishly driven funk-rock to The Birthday Party’s chaotic grind, Ampgrave is a record like no other - sassy, fun, and seriously blasted.