These New Puritans are masters of reinvention, having traversed art pop, post rock, neoclassical and a dozen other scenes and microgenres over the years. At the heart of their output seems to be an urge for exploration and experimentation, as though by excavating the world around them may uncover great truths that they are dutybound to scrutinise, analyse and present as only they know how. On their latest album, Crooked Wing, they do this with poise, romanticism and a singular vision that holds little regard for where you’ll feel obliged to file their album at the record store..
Twin brothers George and Jack Barnett have been the core of These New Puritans since its inception twenty years ago. The two decades since have been studded with five albums that each have their own distinctive shape and sound. Crooked Wing is imbued with a timelessness and clarity – from words enunciated with perspicuity to echoing bells and grand organ sounds – the songs are unhurried and bleakly beautiful.
This is music that demands nothing more than a sliver of your time and attention – increasingly rare commodities – and in return will deliver a masterfully immersive experience. Or as they put it: “Thames estuary’s finest musical cult, we play out our version of heaven & hell; with occasional moments of ecstasy”. We’re honoured to welcome These New Puritans to Roadburn for the first time this coming April.
– Becky Laverty
