(from their 2005 album Spirituals)

Flanger has been an inspirational band for the last few years (although the name sux :P), thanks to the sheer brilliance of AtomTM and Bernd Friedman. Both have delivered exceptional releases on many labels (Ninja Tune, Rather Interesting, K7 etc.) and many names (Senor Coconut, Atom Heart, Burnt Friedman & The Nu Dub Players) and they continue to do so with this album.

Firmly rooted in jazz, the music is a revisit to the melancholy of the oldtimes (1920’s dixie), but the production methods and the sound is very fresh because of electronics. The music is so fitting as a last homage to the birth place of Jazz, New Orleans, and it feels pretty sad. Vocals here and there, it’s jazzy easy listening music, but something very special from gifted musicians.

and from the website :

“This album is not about re-constructing endless virtuoso solos via mere knob-twiddling. With Spirituals, Flanger first of all want to explore and relive the emotional sides of this jazz-before-jazz, its moods and sentiments. As Friedman points out, the album may very well be seen as “the restoration of a lost sensibility”.

Download How long is the wrong way
Download Crime in the Pale Moonlight
Read an interview with Bernd
Buy the album