Kosheen

September 10 2007 sees the release of ‘Damage’, the eagerly-anticipated third album from million-selling Bristol trio Kosheen. ‘Damage’ is the band’s biggest and most beautiful record to date, referencing both the electronica of the UK platinum debut ‘Resist’ and the creativity and darkness of Top 10 sophomore release, ‘Kokopelli’.

The Kosheen sound has always been about integrating electronica with great song structures, and, locked down in the studio recording ‘Damage’, the band has created a subtly futuristic soundtrack for the 21st century. From the spacious titular track itself to the pop-driven forthcoming single ‘Overkill’ (about, says Sian, “personal or political frustration”); from the early 80s synth-stabbed ‘Chances’ to the epic hum of ‘Under Fire’, hefty beats jostle with acidic bleeps, Morricone guitars, plangent synths and haunting piano. Look out, too, for the rather swaggering majesty of closing track, ‘Your Life,’ which, says Markee, “grew from its opening chords – it stinks of flava!”

Lyrically, changes and struggles in both relationships and landscapes are recurring themes. Life and beauty still flourish, however, and the album, says Markee, “captures the feeling of longing, of being disconnected from home, and a yearning for some kind of comfort.”

“It’s a process of catharsis,” says Sian. “Recycling personal history and living experiences is therapy. It has been nearly a decade since we began this journey and I have personally developed as a woman and as a musician.”

And what are the band’s personal highlights? “We have several faves including ‘Damage’ for its dynamic – the deep intro and the soft but powerful vocal,” continues Sian. “It’s one of those tracks that can translate into many different sentiments and be relevant in many different situations, from home to environment – although it’s actually written from the perspective of a person stuck in an abusive relationship. I wrote ‘Cruel Heart’ about my son: it’s like looking in a mirror watching him going through all the stuff teenagers go through – a mixture of heartbreak and freedom as he steps further away from me into his own life. ‘Wish You Were Here’ is a swansong to the people who have touched me in life and are no longer in it – it reflects a deep feeling of anger and solace.”

After ‘Kokopelli’ went Gold in the UK, Kosheen left BMG in the midst of the SONY BMG merger, signed to Universal Germany for most of Europe (excluding the UK), and returned to the studio, with a new drive and vision. Along with writing, recording and producing new tracks, Kosheen have been performing around the world, including first visits to China, Taiwan and the Middle East. They returned to Russia and Australia and have been playing out at loads of festivals around Europe including prestigious headline gigs at the Sarajevo Film Festival and main stage at the German “Love Parade” in August 07.

Kosheen have transferred the studio sound to the stage, with a five-piece live band and have introduced visuals into their new live show illustrating urban life and 'Damage' for their forthcoming UK Tour.