Saunder Jurriaans has unveiled his latest masterpiece, “A Little Lie,” a prelude to his forthcoming album, “Phantom Limb,” set to release on November 17th under his Ghost Talk Records imprint. Known for his recent work as the composer for the hit series “Ozark,” Jurriaans takes a bold leap into the adventurous, psychedelic realm, reminiscent of his previous band, Priestbird, which boasted multiple releases on Kemado Records.
“A Little Lie” is a captivating explosion of loose, energetic psych-rock instrumentation seamlessly fused with multi-layered, deeply expressive vocals. This mesmerizing sonic journey is a testament to Jurriaans’ evolving musical knowledge and experience, introducing listeners to a soulful and psychedelic soundscape that challenges conventions.
The release of a sophomore album can often be laden with pressure—a strive to do things differently and surpass prior achievements. Yet, Saunder Jurriaans approaches “Phantom Limb” with an air of nonchalance, creating an album that reflects his expanding musical horizons.
In the album’s first single, “Everything Shines,” Jurriaans showcases a rhythmic playfulness and brooding intensity, crafted with nothing but sounds generated from the human body—snaps, claps, and slaps, combined with layered vocals and whistles, each processed to various degrees. The track conveys urgency and tension, punctuated by rhythmic breaths and unexpected melodic backing vocals, resulting in a unique auditory experience.
“Nothing is precious, but everything shines,” Jurriaans sings in the song’s final moments, eschewing traditional resolutions and leaving listeners with a resonant message. The accompanying 16mm ultra-slow-motion video, directed and photographed by Los Angeles-based artist and cinematographer Trevor Tweeten, perfectly complements the music, conveying lyrical visuals and strong imagery.
For Saunder Jurriaans, renowned for his collaborative work with Danny Bensi as an award-winning film scoring duo, “Phantom Limb” marks a remarkable departure. It’s a solo endeavor where every aspect of the music, from writing to performing and recording, is undertaken by Jurriaans himself. The album was meticulously mixed and mastered by J. Daniel Goodwin.
From the plaintive “An Idea” with its creaking piano to the arena-ready cymbal bashes of “Los Angeles,” and the melodic fingerpicking in “Little Song of Death,” to the pulsating electro-rhythms in “Eyes of Fire,” each song embarks on a unique journey of yearning, anger, acceptance, and pent-up emotions. The instrumental tracks, “Afternoon Rain,” “Ovulos,” and “Her Ghost,” provide moments of moody respite amidst the grander compositions.
The album’s overarching philosophy is one of musical freedom, where songs embark on unpredictable, rich journeys with no predetermined destinations. “Phantom Limb” is a celebration of unrestricted creativity, breathing life into each idea and letting it flourish.
Saunder Jurriaans and Danny Bensi, the duo behind Ghost Talk Records, not only plan to release their own non-film scoring works but also intend to share some of their previous soundtracks that never received proper releases. Their vision for the label is to provide a platform for their music to reach a wider audience.