about
Snorkel -a device/tube allowing intake of air
when submerged in water.
or -
an avant-whatever collective exploring
the nether regions between the groove and free improvisation; sub-aquatic observations of dub, jazz, afro-beat, krautrock and electronica.
Snorkel was formed some ten years ago by drummer Frank Byng in order to explore and develop strategies for improvisation using flexible line-ups. Taking their methodology from legendary bands like Can, Soft Machine and This Heat, they like to play unrehearsed extended sets in non standard venues. Snorkel acts as an experimental workshop for Slowfoot. Ideas and material generated through improvisation often finds its way into other recording projects.
The current line-up uses drums, guitar, trombone, analog and digital synths, vocals and various cheap samplers/drummachines/electronics to create their sound, generating loops from which the tracks are built.
Their intense polyrhythmic grooves pull in influences from jazz to african, rock to drum'n'bass, and drag them into a new context. The creative exuberance of the band is rooted in the joy of psychedelic repetition and the states reached when playing continuously and synchroniously; their sonic palette is informed by dub and electronica - live instruments pushed and pulled through effects filters, sculpting in real time a polymorphously perverse and unruly soundscape.
history
The first sessions and performances featured Frank Byng (drums,percussion), Lucas Suarez (guitar), Oren Marshall (electric tuba), Nicko Grosz (bass), Dean Brodrick (clavinet, sampler), Nicko Grosz (bass) and John Telfor (saxophones) in various formations. This culminated in a three day recording session which has yet to be released.Further performances occured over the following years, most notably events staged at The Albany and other alternative art spaces in Deptford, South-East London - sharing the bill with the likes of Charles Hayward, Albert Newton, The Spyna Allstars (Pest), and The Hormones. Other musicians who enjoyed a spot of Snorkeling during this period included George Hadjineophytou (electric bazouki), Luke Wills (guitar), Nick Doyne-Ditmas (bass, cornet), Charles Stuart and 129.
With the arrival of Tom Marriott and Ben Cowen the current line-up took shape, and in the summer of 2005 started playing gigs, art shows and studio events around London before entering the recording studio to record an album. Glass Darkly is due for release autumn 2007 on slowfoot records.
the current line-up -
Ben Cowen - one half of electro outfit 7 hurtz, who released two albums on Output records; recently toured with The Sparks doing their visuals.
Tom Marriott - trombonist and founding member of Pest and sister group The Spyna Allstars. two albums on Ninja Tunes to date; also releasing under the monikers Fedka The Irritant and Panic Bridge and currently plays with The Bollywood Brass Band.
Charles Stuart - singer/songwriter/musician whose brilliant debut album 'The Man Who Likes Watching' was released in spring 2007.
Lucas Suarez - guitarist; was a member of cult folk-hop outfit Charley Marlowe and subsequently lead singer, Piers Faccini's band; he also composes for film; his unlikely set of influences were once listed as Fred Frith and Kajagoogoo!
129 - artist, producer and MC, who is currently applying the finishing touches to his debut album.
Frank Byng - drummer, percussionist and producer; training included studying traditional music with members of the Pan-african orchestra in Ghana and jazz with legendary drummer Clifford Jarvis; Has previously worked with the likes of Charley Marlowe, Barry Adamson, 1 Giant Leap, The Great Bear, Spectre, Manasseh, Slovo, Tony Allen and Ayub Ogada.
Ben Cowen - one half of electro outfit 7 hurtz, who released two albums on Output records; recently toured with The Sparks doing their visuals.
Tom Marriott - trombonist and founding member of Pest and sister group The Spyna Allstars. two albums on Ninja Tunes to date; also releasing under the monikers Fedka The Irritant and Panic Bridge and currently plays with The Bollywood Brass Band.
Charles Stuart - singer/songwriter/musician whose brilliant debut album 'The Man Who Likes Watching' was released in spring 2007.
Lucas Suarez - guitarist; was a member of cult folk-hop outfit Charley Marlowe and subsequently lead singer, Piers Faccini's band; he also composes for film; his unlikely set of influences were once listed as Fred Frith and Kajagoogoo!
129 - artist, producer and MC, who is currently applying the finishing touches to his debut album.
Frank Byng - drummer, percussionist and producer; training included studying traditional music with members of the Pan-african orchestra in Ghana and jazz with legendary drummer Clifford Jarvis; Has previously worked with the likes of Charley Marlowe, Barry Adamson, 1 Giant Leap, The Great Bear, Spectre, Manasseh, Slovo, Tony Allen and Ayub Ogada.
