Cymbient shares sixth studio album “Now Collapsing”
Formed in 2005 Cymbient is the long running solo project of Cardiff-based artist, Andy Fung. As a mainstay of the Welsh music scene for over 30 years Andy played a pivotal role in the late 90's Welsh music explosion with his band Derrero whilst successfully forging a career as one of Wales's most promising visual artists. In the intervening years Andy has also immersed himself in a multitude of musical projects with everyone from Cate Le Bon, Martin Carr and his late wife Mel Daley to hip hop experimentation with Botch Sconnet, No Thee No Ess and Dubysawd with Welsh music legend Mark Lugg.
Recorded at Ty Drwg studio in Cardiff with producer Frank Naughton, the album has a classic feel and whilst it references the characteristics of previous Cymbient albums there is a simplicity and stripped back approach throughout the album that gives it a distinctly fresh feel.
This simplicity of the chords and structure deceptively hide a melodic complexity that is evident throughout the album in harmony between the various parts.
One of the things that sets this album apart from previous Cymbient albums is the contributions of a number of incredible musicians. The album features Jess Ball (Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard, Eye) on vocals, Dewi Parry (ghostlawns, Siula) on bass guitar, Gid Goundrey (Gulp, Eye) on guitars.
What these musicians bring to this album is wonderful, taking the songwriting of Andy Fung to a transcendental place.
Andy plays drums, guitars and vocals while Frank Naughton adds keys and some guitar.
A striking aesthetic is the blending of Andy's and Jess' vocals which gives the album an ethereal feel.
Always psychedelic, this album adds to Andy's significant body of work within this style of writing.
