Overseas IV, a sweepingly epic collection that marks the fourth release in a near decade long series of recordings that includes Overseas I (2003), Overseas II (2005) and Overseas III (2008).
Opsvik infused the first three Overseas projects with a variety of progressive rock, classical, ambient and electronic influences—from Neil Young to Brian Eno to Messiaen. On Overseas IV, he takes a more cinematic approach that is less concerned with pure ambience and more open to full on rocking—when it’s not tapping into such whimsical muses as the spirit of baroque operas (as on the opening track “They Will Hear The Drums – and They Will Answer”) and the old call and response patterns of prison chain gangs (“Youth Hopeth All Things, Believeth All Things, ”).
Another new inspiration that is an integral part of this record and Overseas’ ever-evolving sonic palette is the harpsichord, which keyboardist Jacob Sacks adds to an arsenal that includes farfisa organ and piano. Opsvik had the sound of the harpsichord in mind when he wrote the music for IV. “In many ways,” he continues, “it all came together and set the tone for IV’s overall theme that draws culturally from the late 1700s and the 1800s. A time period I’m fascinated by. The album is a new chapter in our continuing story and definitely different from the first three. It's about energy and unique moods rather than virtuosic soloing and complexity.. On this record I was also going for a more raw and alive sound in the recording and mixing process. Perhaps the best way to describe Overseas IV is ‘experimental cinematic music.’”
The Compact Disc is beautifully packaged and comes with a fold-out poster. It was designed by Yokoland and Michelle Arcila did the photography. There will also be 2-song 7" vinyl (includes full album download)
All music written and produced by Eivind Opsvik
Kenny Wollesen - drums, cymbals, timpani, vibraphone, marching machine
Jacob Sacks - harpsichord, farfisa organ, piano
Tony Malaby - saxophone
Brandon Seabrook - electric guitar, mandolin
Eivind Opsvik - bass
Recorded by Tom Schick at The Magic Shop in New York City on
August 3rd and 4th, 2011
Mixed by Eivind Opsvik at Greenwood Underground in Brooklyn, NY
Mastered by Fred Kevorkian at Avatar Studios in New York City
Cover design by Yokoland
Photography by Michelle Arcila
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