In the mid 1990s Sacramento four-piece nûs released two albums of cinematic alternative rock (both notably being produced by Bill Laswell) in relatively quick succession, before just as quickly disappearing into the ether—from whence their music sounds like it came from.
Almost 30 years later founding members Percy Howard, Stephen Sullivan and Richard Kazanjian (plus Stephen’s son Sean on drums) make a wonderful return with their exquisite new record shapes of longing (out October 15th on Third Star Records).
So where have they been all this time? Well, singer Percy and bassist Richard are kind enough to join me and tell all.
nûs will be having an album release party in Sacramento next month. Of the show the band writes:
Saturday, October 24th, at Two Rivers Cider, will be an amazing evening, with food, drink, music, storytelling, and lovely night of connection! Join us as we celebrate the release of our latest album “Shapes of Longing”! Recorded at the incredible 25th Street Recording Studio in Oakland, CA. Engineered by the extraordinarily talented Gabriel Shepard. Mixed by 11 time Grammy winning Producer, Joe Chiccarelli (the White Stripes, the Strokes, U2, Beck, Elton John, the Killers, Morrissey, Weezer), and Mastered by 26 time Grammy winner Howie Weinberg (too many to list). Guest players include: John Ettinger on Violin, Jack Perla on Piano, David Boyce (Broun Fellinis) on Saxophone, Natalie Carols on Vocals, and Vince DiFiore (Cake) on Trumpet.Joining nûs to perform will be John Ettinger on violin, and Nathan Kingham on Keyboards, both incredible musicians and part of the nûs family.In addition to this being a FREE show, we’ll also be gifting CD’s to those who attend!7:00 start time. No opening act. A “night with nûs”. We’ll be playing the album in its entirety, as well as some legacy tracks, some reimagines, some requested, and maybe some future tracks! We’ll see you Saturday October 24th @ Two Rivers.
As well as discussing shapes of longing, some stories from the band’s early days and the time between, we also touch on some of Percy’s past collaborations, including with one Eugene S. Robinson—former guest on this podcast, alongside BUÑUEL guitarist Xabier Iriondo on episode 82.
Some of you will be aware that Eugene suffered a stroke back in July. His wife Kasia Robinson started a gofundme campaign to raise money to help fund Eugene’s ongoing rehabilitation. I’m sure any donation would be gratefully received. You can find that here.
Thanks to Dan at Discipline PR for setting up the interview.
Photo credit: Cassandra Foster.
shapes of longing on bandcamp.
For all things nûs visit nusartmedia.com.
For more stories from the musical underground you can read my column at New Noise Magazine: Mapping The Underground
Check out my latest album Real Silence on Drama Recorder
My music on Ampwall
Podcast artwork and logo: Get A Real Job Kid
Intro music: “Detachment” by Tom Osman
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