Szun Waves announces new album ‘Earth Patterns’, co-produced by James Holden

Serene sound of debut has given way to more complex strains

Szun Waves have announced their new album Earth Patterns, out on August 19 via The Leaf Label.

The UK-via-Austrialian, jazz-electronic trio – comprised of producer Luke Abbott, saxophonist Jack Wylie, and drummer Laurence Pike, recorded the album (their first in five years) in a spate of improvisatory sessions together at the tail end of their 2019 European tour. 

In contrast to the heavenly sound of their second album New Hymn To Freedom, ‘Earth Patterns’ is considered a more ‘grounded’ record, with moments of jazz harmony colliding with cinematic soundscapes, and long searching passages building into instrumental frenzies. See the track ‘New Universe’ that they’ve shared, for more evidence/.

With Laurence marooned in Australia – and Luke and Jack grounded in different parts of the UK – this creative challenge forced the band to reassess their output, forcing them to to create what they consider their most fully-formed album to date. This time, the long hiatus meant additional input was offered by electronic savant James Holden, as well as producer/engineer David Pye. Additionally, visual artist Dom Harwood – who worked on Max Cooper’s acclaimed live AV performances – created the album’s accompanying visual landscapes. 

“I think the record we’ve ended up with is an emotional outpouring,” Abbott says. “There’s a fluidity to it that feels like we tapped into something quite raw. The last record felt like drifting in space but I see this new record as a journey from the outer reaches of the universe down onto the earth, like a macrocosm to microcosm arc,” he explains.

Earth Patterns will be released digitally and on CD, as well as three separate vinyl variants. Pre-order the album here: