Sudden Voices, led by the experienced Ben Morris, introduces their latest single, “I Knew You At Once,” a dense musical concoction that navigates the realms of krautrock, analogue psychedelia, and post-something-or-other. The track, driven by a bass-led groove, weaves a narrative around the carelessness of handling others’ emotions with lyrics like “I knew you… when I wanted to…”.
The song draws inspiration from the pulsating krautrock of CAN, reminiscent of “Bitches Brew” era space jazz, and perhaps a subtle nod to the influential The Fall. The post-something vibes are palpable, making it a sonic exploration that echoes the experimental spirit of the ’70s.
Ben Morris, previously associated with Union Wireless, has a musical journey that spans decades and genres. Sudden Voices emerges from this history, incorporating vintage organs and choir-like vocals into a warm, organic psychedelia. The band’s DIY ethic and low-fi sensibility shine through, creating an atmosphere that balances experimentalism with melodic coherence.
The debut album, released in the Spring of 2023, further explores Sudden Voices’ fusion of jazz sensibility and Krautrock motorik. The result, according to Bandcamp, is “a fascinating mash-up of jazz sensibility with Krautrock motorik on an album that mesmerizes with repetition.” Organ Thing, in their kind words, described the album as a “delight.”
Sudden Voices’ music is crafted through improvisation, infusing each track with a sense of spontaneity while maintaining a keen ear for catchy tunes. The influences, ranging from krautrock to space jazz and nods to The Velvet Underground, Suicide, and The Fall, contribute to the band’s unique sonic identity.