| What We Think: | "Talented and reliable with the occasional flash of genius… right, that’s enough about Bolton’s Spanish midfield stalwart, what about the band who’ve stolen his name? Well, maybe they’re not up to Premiership level yet, but there’s something in their sweet folk ditties, the longest of which weighs in at a tiny two minutes and 51 seconds, that deserves a closer listen as you bob along to them. After all, they might produce songs that are smaller than their namesake’s hair, but you know what they say about good things coming in small packages, don’t you?"
Chris Long |
Hitchcock and The Beatles’ White Album are just some of Ivan Campo’s preoccupations. Characterised by a playful suspense, their songs are as likely to be about the unsolved death of Alexander Litvinenko as they are about love and loss. Based in Preston and Manchester, Ivan Campo produce interweaving melodies combined with a musical unpredictability influenced by artists as varied as Devendra Banhart, Nick Harper and Arcade Fire. The effect is a unique style infused with echoes of films, snatched memories and a healthy sense of the absurd. Playing regularly and frequently in London, Manchester and Preston, Ivan Campo most recently appeared at the 12 Bar in London, and have supported Shack at the Lowry in Manchester. Their first song, Bandit, was produced in 2003, and they have since written at least 50 songs, the equivalent of five albums. Many of their songs have been collected into The Book of Campodia, an alternative world populated by their characters and set in a fictional geography dictated by their stories. Meanwhile, their self-directed videos echo the gentle yet unexpected pace of their sounds. Yorkie from Space is a fan. "A unique and mildly unsettling sound, like David Lynch circa Blue Velvet. Can't recommend them enough!" He may be right. Come and take a trip to Campodia. |
