THE SPEED OF SOUND rounds up 'A Cornucopia' album trilogy & shares new 'Permafrost' video.

Long-serving Manchester UK Psychonauts The Speed Of Sound present their mega-album trilogy 'A Cornucopia: Minerva, Victory, Bounty', released via Californian cult label Big Stir Records, along with the video for their latest single 'Permafrost'.

With overlapping themes of independence - both culturally and artistically - each disc has its own vibe and personality: 'Minerva' is belligerence in musical form, 'Victory' is a manifesto of artistic creativity and 'Bounty' represents the fruits of artistic freedom, all taking place far from the grasping tentacles of the ‘music industry’.

'A Cornucopia' began with the band’s own love of the album format and a determination to make long-form music rather than merely produce a conveyor belt of unrelated singles. The interlocking themes of 'A Cornucopia' are deliberately made for album listeners to enjoy, each disc being its own standalone entity while also forming part of the larger whole trinity.

Full of ambition, energy and melodic brilliance, this three-album deluxe edition is available on vinyl and CD. Beginning with the 'Minerva' album, The Speed of Sound shared a rich bouquet of thought-provoking compositions, including the hauntingly spacious 'Trickledown', the stratospherically vast 'The Great Acceleration', the uplifting 'Mind Palace' and 'West Wind', where a recklessly fast rhythm merges with a Wagnerian horn section.

The 'Victory' album then brings 14 fresh and unexpectedly shape-shifting grooves, from the supremely danceable 'Underground', the unabashed sensuality of 'Monsoon', gothic lounge jazz of 'Permafrost', the glam-rocking 'E to F', reckless garage punk punch of 'Go For It', post-nostalgia of 'The Same River' and triumphant shimmering elegance of 'Tranquility Falls' to the strangely linked pairing of 'Apocalypse Acropolis'and 'Apocalypse Metropolis'.

The ’Bounty’ album adds to this with another ten ranging from the crunching garage rock of 'No Kicks' to the haunting floating melody of 'Virtual Reality123', acoustic driven rave-up of 'Replicant' and bouncing energy of 'Artificial Paradise'.

Since their formation in 1989, The Speed of Sound's music has always been idiosyncratic and counter-intuitive, in search of something new. Creating music with lyrical bite, expanding their foundation of 1960s, punk and new wave influences, their dynamic and stylistic variation crossing borders and pushing boundaries at every opportunity.

Following 2021's critically acclaimed album 'Museum Of Tomorrow', the band returns triumphant, defiant and redemptive with this trilogy, marking their 35th anniversary. Most music is never even recorded, and most recorded music remains unheard. ‘A Cornucopia’ is a celebration of all unheard underground music and the whole counterculture itself - music made for the pleasure of making it.

‘A Cornucopia’ is out now and available everywhere, including Apple Music and Spotifyand Bandcamp, Physically, the full trilogy 'A Cornucopia: Minerva, Victory, Bounty' can be ordered on both CD and vinyl at www.thespeedofsounduk.com/shop-2

Band photograph by Shay Rowan

The Speed Of Sound are:
John Armstrong (songwriting, guitars & vox) – John A has developed a vivid style of guitar playing borne of combining rhythm and lead techniques in a flow that pulls the music like a tide steeped in unresolved chords and entrancing vocals.
Ann-Marie Crowley  (vox & guitars) – Ann-Marie hadn’t performed rock based music before joining The Speed Of Sound in 2015 and has vast experience of Irish, folk and also classical operatic singing.
Kevin Roache (bass guitar) – Kevin has performed with John since 1990, he brings a wide understanding of playing differing genre’s including music of Indian origin, he has a highly individual outlook on the bass.
John Broadhurst (drums) – John B joined The Speed Of Sound in 2018. He has a wealth of skills including jazz, pop, rock and blues and has an ability to play with the spaces, the freedom of playing originals is liberating while the fluid and improvisational sections are something he willingly embraces.
Henry Armstrong (keyboards) – With 16 years of studying improvisational music and an intuitive approach, Henry (John's son) joined in 2018, adding a new dimension to the band's sound.

CREDITS
All songs written by John Armstrong
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Vibratone Sound Studio in Manchester by Chris Guest, Adam Crossley & The Speed of Sound
John Armstrong - guitars and vocals
Ann-Marie Crowley - vocals and guitars
Kevin Roache - bass guitar
John Broadhurst - drums
Henry Armstrong - keyboards
Bob Dinn - trumpet and flugelhorn
Chris Guest - harmonium, vibraphone, organ, assorted shakers, tambourine.
Alex Armstrong - typewriter on 'Yet Another Tuesday'
‘Voices’ on 'Mind Palace': Janet Stacey Dando, Henry Armstrong, Nick Frater, Jason Edge/The Electric Stars, John Broadhurst, Mark Britton/Amoeba Teen, Janet Armstrong, Louise Turner, Peter Watts & Ruth Rogers/Spygenius and Kevin Roache, plus Ivy Frater (heartbeat).
Main sleeve image: Purple Spaceman © Lina Landers 2022
Band photographs by Shay Rowan
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with The Speed of Sound
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Keep up with Big Stir Records
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Permafrost - new single 'Ultimo August'

Permafrost is a post-punk band, originally from Molde in Norway, which was formed in 1982 by school friends Frode Heggdal Larsen & Kåre Steinsbu. Robert Heggdal & Trond Tornes joined in 2001, and Daryl Bamonte in 2016. They take their name from a song by Magazine, and other influences are Joy Division, The Cure, Talking Heads, Pere Ubu, Fad Gadget, The Residents, Wire and Wolfgang Press. Trond Tornes left the band in 2022 to pursue other projects.

To date they have released the five critically acclaimed singles, 'Femme Fatale', 'Closed Eyes', 'Restore Us' and 'Come Back To Surprise', which all reached #1 on the Indie Disko Top40 chart (“Closed Eyes” for 6 consecutive weeks) as well as listing high on both the Deutsche Alternative and Native25 charts. They were added to numerous playlists including Apple Music’s 'New in Rock'. This year 'Wrong Heart' went top 5 in the ID Top40.

'Ultimo August' is the latest single from their forthcoming album 'The Light Coming Through', which will be released in Autumn 2024 on their own Fear of Music label.

Permafrost is: Kåre Steinsbu Frode Heggdal Larsen Robert Heggdal Daryl Bamonte

Video Produced & Directed by Permafrost Published by Archangelo Music/BMG (except Trond Tornes publishing: Copyright Control) P&C 2024 Fear of Music

new Permafrost single ‘Ultimo August’, out on 16th August on our own Fear of Music label

A FROZEN HEART IN SUMMERTIME: PERMAFROST UNVEIL BROODING POST-PUNK SUMMER ANTHEM

‘Ultimo August’ Out 16th August 

LP ‘The Light Coming Through’ Out 11th October


“If you are a fan of the sinister menace of Interpol, the jagged guitar lines of Gang Of Four or the grandiose gloom of The Cure, here is a band which is a mix of all three but has its own unique post-punk aesthetic – Permafrost.”

XS NOIZE


“Brooding and upbeat, here we have a classically post-punk vibe with compositions still centred on starkly compelling melodies.”

AMPLIFY MUSIC 


“With a powerful melody and plenty of reverb and appealing synth, there is still a charming quality here amidst this ominous hymn – impressive.”

SPILL MAGAZINE 


Nordic-British quartet Permafrost continue to deliver the authentic post-punk sound of the early '80s with the release of ‘Ultimo August’ on 16th August. The single follows the band's acclaimed comeback track, ‘Wrong Heart’,  and serves as a final preview of their forthcoming album, The Light Coming Through, hailed for release 11th October.


Permafrost shatter expectations with ‘Ultimo August’ by delivering a brooding summer anthem that heralds their forthcoming album. Lead singer Kåre Steinsbu’s haunting baritone howls weave a tale of heartbreak and introspection as the track delves into the personal reckoning required to mend a fractured relationship. Driven by pulsating basslines and intricate guitar work, the track juxtaposes the icy darkness of winter against the yearning warmth of summer, evoking comparisons to Interpol, Editors, and New Order. 


“Ultimo August is a song about a broken relationship and the realisation that it’s necessary to look inward first to work out where it went wrong“ says Permafrost of the single. “It’s a story of a person who is torn between the turbulence of passion and the mundanity of a peaceful life” 


Conceived in the chilling depths of Molde, Norway, Permafrost have been igniting the post-punk flame since their formation in 1982. Founded by schoolmates Frode Heggdal Larsen and Kåre Steinsbu, the band has evolved over the decades, incorporating the talents of fellow Norwegian Robert Heggdal and UK-based Daryl Bamonte - a seasoned collaborator with Depeche Mode and The Cure. As authentic purveyors of the genre, Permafrost transport listeners back to the shadowy, goth-filled clubs of the early ‘80s. Whilst countless contemporary artists attempt to replicate the raw energy of this era, Permafrost truly lived it. 


Defying the odds of distance, with members dispersed across Trondheim, Oslo and Margate, Permafrost have forged an unbreakable creative bond. Unexpectedly, the pandemic became a catalyst for Permafrost’s creativity, as weekly virtual sessions laid the groundwork for their forthcoming album and refined their long-distance collaborative process. The songwriting process typically begins with guitarist Frode presenting a demo, which bassist Robert (Bob Frost) then develops in Logic Pro, programming drums and other elements. Singer Kåre creates a melody to match and lyrics are selected from a collective vault they have accumulated over the years.  The song is refined through a collaborative process, passing back and forth between all four members until everyone is satisfied.


Utilising this refined process, Permafrost’s forthcoming album, The Light Coming Through, offers a sonic refuge from the chaos of modern life. With their signature blend of synth-infused post-punk and politically charged lyrics, the band delivers a collection of songs that are both introspective and empowering. Self described as “Optimistic Melancholy,” their sound offers solace and inspiration, illuminating a path through life’s darkest corners. 


Permafrost’s discography is a testament to their endurance over the years within the music scene. From their humble beginnings with the limited edition 1983 cassette ‘Godtment’, the band has evolved into a formidable force. Their 2019 vinyl EP, ‘Permafrost’ marked a turning point, subsequently gaining wider exposure through a digital release in 2021. Permafrost truly ignited in 2021, with their trio of singles dominating the charts, including an eight-week combined reign for ‘Femme Fatale’ and ‘Closed Eyes’ atop the Indie Disko Top40. These tracks also made waves on the Deutsche Alternative and Native25 charts, earning a coveted spot on Apple Music’s influential "New in Rock" playlist. The unstoppable momentum continued with ‘Restore Us’ which secured the #1 position on both the Indie Disko Top40 and Native25 charts.


‘Ultimo August’ drops on all major streaming platforms on 16th August, a final taste of Permafrost's forthcoming album, The Light Coming Through, due for release on October 11th.



FOLLOW PERMAFROST

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The new Permafrost single ‘Wrong Heart’ is released on 4th July 2024.

“If you are a fan of the sinister menace of Interpol, the jagged guitar lines of Gang Of Four or the grandiose gloom of The Cure, here is a band which is a mix of all three but has its own unique post-punk aesthetic – Permafrost.”
XS NOIZE

“Brooding and upbeat, here we have a classically post-punk vibe with compositions still centred on starkly compelling melodies.”
AMPLIFY MUSIC

“With a powerful melody and plenty of reverb and appealing synth, there is still a charming quality here amidst this ominous hymn – impressive.”
SPILL MAGAZINE

Nearing two years since the release of ‘Come Back To Surprise’, the Nordic-British post-punk quartet Permafrost return with their latest single, ‘Wrong Heart’, on 4th July. This release kicks off the lead up to their new album, ‘The Light Coming Through’, set to unveil in October this year. In addition to the single, Mental Overdrive (aka Per Martinsen) has remixed the single, which will also be available on 4th July.

Formed originally in Molde, Norway in 1982 by school friends Frode Heggdal Larsen and Kåre Steinsbu, Permafrost has undergone numerous transformations over the years. Now joined by fellow Norwegian Robert Heggdal and Daryl Bamonte from the UK (who worked very closely with Depeche Mode and The Cure for several years), they continue to deliver the authentic post-punk sound of the early '80s. While many contemporary musicians attempt to replicate this era, Permafrost have lived it. Their latest single, ‘Wrong Heart’, has also evolved over time, ultimately resulting in a dark, bass-driven post-punk track that transports listeners back to the shadowy, goth-filled clubs of the '80s.

Alongside the single, they have released the music video for ‘Wrong Heart’. In a wholesome contrast to the song’s dark sound and nature, the video follows four young girls as they set out to create a music video. Of the video they said “In another dimension Permafrost could be a girl band. In this reality they are planning to create

a music video. They have to drag their equipment into the forest to get to the preferred spot, making it into a road movie with a lot of obstacles on the way - like grazing sheep and deer in the blossoming Norwegian nature. When they finally arrive at the spot and want to start playing, the song finishes. All that work for nothing.”

Spread across Trondheim, Oslo and Margate, Permafrost's creative process is a challenge which the band have had to overcome. During the pandemic, they held weekly video meetings to plan new songs and other band-related issues, leveraging improved long-distance collaboration technology to maintain momentum. The songwriting process typically begins with one member suggesting an idea, which bassist Robert (Bob Frost) then develops in Logic Pro, programming drums and other elements. Singer Kåre (Curry) creates a melody to match, and lyrics are selected from a collective vault they have accumulated over the years. The song is refined through a collaborative process, passing back and forth between all four members until everyone is satisfied.

Utilising their refined songwriting process, Permafrost meticulously crafted their forthcoming album, ‘The Light Coming Through’. Describing their sound as “Optimistic Melancholy” the album aims to offer inspiration and escapism during challenging times. Infusing politically charged lyrics with dark, synth-infused post-punk instrumentation, Permafrost employs metaphors to convey their message effectively.

Permafrost has built an impressive discography over the years. They debuted with the 'Godtment' EP in 1983, released on a limited edition of 50 numbered cassettes. In 2019, they followed up with the 'Permafrost' EP on vinyl, later making it available digitally in 2021. Throughout 2021, the band dropped three critically acclaimed singles. ‘Femme Fatale’ and ‘Closed Eyes’ both achieved remarkable success, reaching #1 on the Indie Disko Top40 chart, with the latter maintaining the top spot for six consecutive weeks. These singles also performed well on the Deutsche Alternative and Native25 charts, while earning placements on influential playlists such as Apple Music’s ‘New in Rock’. The third single, ‘Restore Us’, continued their streak of success by hitting #1 on the Indie Disko Top40 and the Native25 chart.

‘Wrong Heart’ and its accompanying music video will be available from 4th July whilst their upcoming album ‘The Light Coming Through’ is due to release this October. Alongside the single, Mental Overdrive (aka Per Martinsen) has remixed the single, which will also be available on 4th July.

FOLLOW PERMAFROST

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY | TIKTOK

Nordic post-punk stalwarts Permafrost release eponymous EP digitally

"A dark, yet brilliant listen, through and through. Brooding and upbeat, here we have a classically post-punk vibe with compositions still centred on starkly compelling melodies" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

“Combines the energy from post-punk, with cold, melancholic tones and wonderful interweaving guitar lines but have also given the EP a beating romantic gothic heart. A compelling and beguiling listen” ~ XS Noize

"Raw, genuine and grabbing... Powerful melody and plenty of reverb and appealing synth... impressive" ~ The Spill Magazine

“Stunning” – FMS Magazine

"A tidal wave of post-punk, reminiscent of early U2, The Chameleons, Joy Division and The Sound. Captivating and impeccably cinematic" ~ The Manc Review

mail-191.jpeg

Norwegian-UK outfit Permafrost has released their sophomore 'Permafrost' EPdigitally for the first time, including a previously unreleased mix. This four-track offering is available on all platforms as of October 15th, released on their own Fear of Music label with distribution by Secretly Noord.

Two years since its vinyl-only release, they now bring you the digital release of the ‘Permafrost’ EP, including the never-before-released Japanese Mix of ‘Sugarcubes’, featuring backing vocals by Tsugumi Takashi and Yoko Sawai.

Recorded at The Overlook, Braund Studios in Brooklyn and produced by Permafrost, this EP was mixed by Erik Braund (Mac DeMarco, A Place To Bury Strangers, Beach Fossils) and Shane O’Connel, and mastered by Paul Corkett (The Cure, Placebo, Sleeper, Strangelove).

Permafrost was formed in 1982 in Molde, Norway by school friends Frode Heggdal Larsen and Kåre Steinsbu during the first post punk era. Robert Heggdal and Trond Tornes joined in 2001, the group finally rounded out with the addition of London-based keyboardist Daryl Bamonte in 2016. They take their name from a song by Magazine with other notable influences being Joy Division, The Cure, Talking Heads, Pere Ubu, Yello, Fad Gadget, The Residents, Wire and Wolfgang Press.

Debuting with the ‘Godtment’ EP in 1983, released as a limited edition of 50 numbered cassettes, Permafrost issued their sophomore offering - the ‘Permafrost’ EP, a vinyl-only release, to high praise in 2019.

2021 brought a trio of critically acclaimed singles via Fear of Music label - 'Femme Fatale', 'Closed Eyes' and ‘Restore Us’, the latest offering from September featuring remixes by MAPS (a.k.a. UK producer James Chapman) and Paul Corkett. All three singles reached #1 on the Indie Disko Top40 Chart and Top 5 on the Deutsche Alternative Chart, the latter also reaching #1 on the Native25 Chart, in addition to significant press and radio play on six continents.

The 'Permafrost' EP is out now everywhere online, including Spotify, Apple Musicand Amazon. It can also be ordered directly from the band via Bandcamp. A limited number of copies are also still available on 12" vinyl while they last.

CREDITS
Lyrics and Music by Permafrost
Produced by Permafrost
Recorded at The Overlook, Braund Studios (Brooklyn, NY)
Mixed by Erik Braund and Shane O’Connel
Engineered by David Plakon, Erik Braund and Shane O’Connel
Backing vocals by Tsugumi Takashi and Yoko Sawai
Mastered by Paul Corkett
Artwork by Per Olav Bergem
'Kingdom' video by Per Olav Bergem


Keep up with Permafrost
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Permafrost – new single ‘Restore Us’ available 3rd September 2021 on Fear of Music

We’ve become numb to endless conflicts and mountebanks posing as leaders. A figurative plague has divided us for most of the modern era. It took a literal one to bring us together, albeit in the darkest of ways.

One would be forgiven for feeling a little nostalgic for better times about now, and we’re long overdue for a hard reset. With “Restore Us,” Permafrost has just released what could be the theme song for the post-lockdown era.

Permafrost was formed in 1982, in Molde, Norway by Frode Heggdal Larsen and Kåre Steinsbu, during the first post punk era, taking their name from a Magazine track. They released
the Godtment EP a year later. Robert Heggdal, Trond Tornes and eventually Daryl Bamonte, who had worked with bands like Depeche Mode, and The Cure, rounded out the group. In 2019 they released the Permafrost EP to high praise. The well-received “Femme Fatale” and “Closed Eyes” singles were released earlier this year, spending several weeks at the top of many indie charts, including the Indie Disko Top 40.

As industry veterans, their long arc provides some crucial perspective as we enter uncharted waters. In fact, ideas for the song have been germinating for three years, with it ultimately coming into focus over the past year. Both foreboding and optimistic, “Restore Us” is less the battle hymn that is usually the stock in trade of the post punks, and more of a face-the-facts statement that it's time.

The accompanying video’s footage was shot in 1987, by keyboardist Daryl Bamonte, on Depeche Mode’s Music For The Masses tour, who was working with the band. It shows the energy and enthusiasm of a group on the ascent, in a country concurrently starting its slow decline into the new consumerism era, reaching its logical conclusion when a failed salesman became president three decades later. A man forged in that epoch, with a commitment to a laissez faire modus operandi, and putting profits over people, became the glaring symbol of our ultimate undoing.

The film takes us back to a time when bands were embracing a “get in the van” lifestyle, while naively passing through the intestinal tract of the beast, getting their kicks on Route 666, during the unraveling of an American Dream that probably never was. As the song concludes, shifting from its dark minor key to one more sanguine, we also see oddly foreboding, shaky footage of an airliner.

The emergence from dark times presents opportunities if we take them. Restoration doesn’t have to mean going back to the time portrayed in the video. Were the “good times” really that good, or were we being fooled all along, ignorantly living in our bubbles? As we get back on the road perhaps we should reconsider the route this time around. The recent reminder that the world is indeed very small and connected can also be an instruction to restore our humanity.

PERMAFROST New single ‘Closed Eyes’

Permafrost follow up reaching #1 on the Indie Disko Top40 chart with stunning new single ‘Closed Eyes’ – available on 7th June 2021 through Fear of Music

Permafrost is a post-punk band, originally from Molde in Norway, which was formed in 1982 by school friends Frode Heggdal Larsen & Kåre Steinsbu. Robert Heggdal & Trond Tornes joined in 2001 and Daryl Bamonte in 2016. They take their name from a song by Magazine and other influences are Joy Division, The Cure, Talking Heads, Pere Ubu, Yello, Fad Gadget, The Residents, Wire and Wolfgang Press.

To date they have released the ‘Godtment’ EP (on a limited edition of 50 numbered cassettes) in 1983, the ‘Permafrost’ EP (on vinyl only) in 2019 and the critically acclaimed ‘Femme Fatale’ single which reached #1 on the Indie Disko Top40 chart in the spring of 2021. The band are scheduling more releases on their own Fear of Music label, beginning with the stunning ‘Closed Eyes’, available on 7th June 2021. “Closed Eyes, mixed by indie-veteran Paul Corkett, drives on with a relentless surge, full of foreboding, alluding to a dystopian near-future while at the same time offering the listener hope.”