Transmission Towers – Transmission One album track-by-track

The full skinny on the debut from the Liverpudlian electro funk mavericks

Transmission Towers are a electro-funk supergroup duo from Liverpool created by vocalist and percussionist Eleanor Anorbea Mante and Mark Kyriacou and joined by a star cast of guest “synthesists and vibe-engineers” including Mark Kyriacos Kyriaco, Ian ‘Budgie’ Jones and Cait Walker.

Finding nominal inspiration in the “invisible comms transmitted between receivers near the river Mersey”, the gathered personnel have created a whopping Northern electro record with an Afrofuturist charm, namely their debut message Transmission One. No wonder none other than Luke Una elected to launch his label E Soul Cultura with it.

Naturally, we wanted to know more, so we asked Mante herself to talk us through this fine, fine record, track-by-track…

Up

This track is a commanding call to action. As it was the first song written for the project, it reveals its Detroit influence of early electro stripped back to 808 drums and synth bass overlaid with sassy vocals. Think funk, and punchy drums, add a splash of gritted soul and then move over to let this track move up your favourites list.

Rollerskater 23 

A tune indirectly influenced by the track ‘James Mason – I Want Your Love’, string synth and drum machine-driven. Disco, not disco afro futuristic roller boot begging basslines. A funky number that brings smiles to faces and delivers out-of-body travel to other spaces.

Planetary Alignment 

Attention Travellers, this is your Captain speaking.  Welcome aboard your personal interplanetary guide to outer space.  If ever a jingle was needed to promote interstellar space excursions, this would be it.  Look to the left to witness the birth of a new galaxy. On the right, you’ll see the collapse of stars. Inspired by the cosmos this track brings the message of as above and so below.

Go Slow Heart

The music for this track was an ode to that feeling you have when you know you should take it slow before jumping into another relationship, but your emotion overrides the logic.  Lyrically it’s an ode to hanging on when you are just about ready to give but just beyond the darkness there is a sliver of light.

Cosmic Trigger

This one delivers a mesmerising chug of synth-driven slow-flung dirty funk, creating a psych-like auditory experience that pulses with cosmic energy. Vibe into its gravitational pull, and set off into an immersive sonic journey.

Mega

Punching out the cobwebs of self-induced isolation.  A call to all the savages who missed me while I was gone.  Mega screams for collaboration and contact. Afrobeat-inspired punk rock sends out the Bat signal to like minds ready to rumble from dojo to dance floor.

Everything

Anthem inducing. A post-punk era-inspired idea written on synths and a drum machine but rooted in the gritty sounds of garage punk. The lyrics resonate passion, capturing raw energy with an afrofuturistic twist.  From the start the track brings ferocity. A sonic holiday to ignite the soul.

Sparse

Post consultation with Mr. Una, Sparse tapped into the essence of ideas shared. Solid scarcity is the foundation of this track. Slightly sparse by design, still so full and full of soul. Sultry and heart-based.

One

As if stunned by the flicker of the mirror ball lights at a 70’s French disco, One stuns the senses with its dreamy moog-like keys and Beach Boy BVs.  One is worthy as an earworm candidate with its swirly rhythm and accompanying sun-dipped lullaby.

Affirmation of Love

A message of love for all during the most trying of times.  An affirmation, to help people remember that love exists for all and is available for all at all times.

My Shadow

An early addition to the project, this track found its producer reaching back to late 80s and early 90s electronic music for inspiration.  Synth melodies create sonic landscapes that captivate.  Lyrically ‘My Shadow’ serves as a love letter for sparring partners. Bliss surfing sounds that equal as signs of appreciation. It’s a celebration of collaboration and creativity, a testament to the magic that happens when like-minded souls come together in pursuit of a shared vision.

The Universal Drift

Adrift through the cosmos, this track takes you on a weightless journey. Tuned into the galaxy’s ethereal frequency, celestial melodies dance among the stars. This song speaks of the conquest of space within the territory of our minds.

To buy your copy of Transmisison Towers on vinyl, click here