Scrimshire

Paroxysm Scrimshire

Albert's Favourites label founder Scrimshire is set to release bold new album 'Paroxysm'. In the last few weeks of October 2022, Scrimshire wrote a new collection of songs with the descriptive working title 'Scream'. A direct response to the absurdity of the breakdown in the UK government, the horror of the treatment of refugees arriving on our shores and the callous disregard for the trauma being caused to low-income people or anyone considered 'other'. While self-preserving Conservative MPs fought for their jobs, record profits were announced by energy companies as they were gouging crippling amounts of money from people's pockets. The anger, sadness, mourning, and frustration he felt was poured into these recordings.

Originally named 'Scream 8', 'Unity Gain' was one of the early outpourings from those sessions. Piano and drums bubble up until it fully boils over with huge stabbing synthesizer and string sounds in an outburst of frenetic energy. 'Division seems to characterize our daily experience', says Scrimshire. 'How does a society stop the callousness and corruption from seeping into it's bones?'.

Singer Faye Houston features on both 'Eyes Shut' as well as, alongside saxophonist, composer, and multi-wind instrumentalist Tamar Osborn, on 'Flames'. About the latter Scrimshire explains, 'One person can breathe fire into your life and the world, leaving an indelible mark. The album was influenced hugely by a friend we sadly have lost. I think of it like the heat you still feel after a fire has gone out'.

London-based poet and emcee The Repeat Beat Poet captures moments of time, thought, and feeling on 'What Is The State of Our State', a furious yet succinct stream-of-consciousness diatribe in two parts. From Afrobeat and reggae-influenced London band Soothsayers, clarinetist and saxophonist Idris Rahman features on 'Your Invasion is a Lie', an ever-progressing, cosmic-jazz track.