Cuckundoo Records: release 7″ singles by Vessels and Escalade
Cuckundoo Records is a new record label fronted by Ben Winbolt-Lewis and Andy Jones, based out of Leeds, UK. With an ear bent towards post-rock endeavors, Cuckundoo’s first two artists, Vessels and Escalade, have been presented to the world, both with 7″ singles released on November 5.
Vessels‘ debut single Yuki/Forever The Optimist was warmly received by BBC Radio 1’s Brett Anderson, followed by support from Huw Stephens, Stuart Maconie, Steve Lamacq, and John Kennedy. Vessels have been likened to a vocalized Sea and Cake, Explosions in the Sky, or Mogwai. November 5 saw the band releasing their second 7″ single of Two Words and a Gesture, with the b-side Clear and Calm.
On November 24 Vessels will perform with Efterklang and Caribou in Leeds at Brudenell Social. A week later Vessels will leave the UK and travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota to record with John Congleton at the Pachyderm. Potential songs that may appear on the new album include Altered Beast, Look At That Cloud!, and Knee Jerk.
Vessels – Two Words and a Gesture
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8d74wMVWTQ[/youtube]
Cuckundoo has also contracted with Greg Sullivan to release his solo project, Escalade. Sullivan left New York City in 2003 “on a self-imposed exile” to live in New Zealand where he began recording Escalade. He now lives in Tokyo where Escalade is “gaining momentum.” Shayne Bowden has joined him on drums, and Shirabe Gensaku supports him on bass.
On November 5 Escalade released X’s and O’s, as a 7″ vinyl single. Mikael Jorgensen of Wilco mixed the track with Sullivan, and John McEntire (Tortoise, Sea and Cake) mixed the b-side Pleasure Treasure. Escalade will be performing five shows in the UK during the month of December, “and the US in the coming months before finishing his debut album.”
Escalade – X’s and O’s
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqtegLzwJ2Q[/youtube]
Escalade in the UK:
Saturday 8th December 2007 – RoTa, Notting Hill Arts Centre, London, UK with Kelman
Sunday 9th December 2007 – West Hill Community Hall, Brighton, UK
Thursday 13th December 2007 – The Cube, Bristol, UK with Zombie Zombie
Monday 17th December 2007 – Retro Bar, Manchester, UK
Saturday 5th January 2008 – RoTa, Notting Hill Arts Centre, London, UK