Edvard Graham Lewis and Mark Spybey to Release Debut Album ‘LEWISPYBEY’ on November 8 via UPP Records

First single Castle Neptune from LEWISPYBEY now streaming ahead of album release

Edvard Graham Lewis and Mark Spybey are set to release their first collaborative album, titled ‘LEWISPYBEY’, on November 8th through UPP Records. The album represents the first release from LewisSpybey, a collaboration that unites Lewis, whose background includes projects like Wire, He Said, Hox, and Dome, with Spybey, whose work spans Dead Voices On Air, Beehatch, Altered Statesmen, and Zoviet France.

The album emerged from the meeting of Lewis and Spybey during an appearance on a podcast hosted by cEvin Key of Skinny Puppy in November 2022. The discussion between the two extended over several days, and they quickly found common ground. Spybey proposed a musical collaboration, and with no strict plan in mind, they began working remotely. The creative process involved the exchange of track segments, with each artist building upon the other’s contributions. Interestingly, Lewis and Spybey only met in person after the completion of the album.

‘LEWISPYBEY’ features six experimental compositions characterized by electronic rhythms, sonic collages, and manipulated field recordings. The album combines influences from both artists’ previous works, showcasing their approach to constructing layered, atmospheric soundscapes.

The first single from the album, “Castle Neptune”, begins with an energetic bass line accompanied by wordless vocals. As the track progresses, it transforms into a more spacious section, underscored by the sound of a train horn recorded in Oakland, which adds a distinctive element. Another track, “Boot Island Twin”, features gentle pulses and ambient synth tones, developing into a rhythmic composition evocative of an opiated dancehall atmosphere.

“Antler Velvet” layers various sonic elements, offering an immersive listening experience suitable for headphones. Both artists have stated that the collaborative nature of the project made it difficult to distinguish individual contributions, emphasizing their shared approach to creating the music.

The track “Trophy Hunters” stands out for its intensity, featuring thunderous beats and heavy rhythms, making it the album’s most forceful piece. Spybey explained his attraction to darker musical elements, which is evident in this track’s composition.

“Keep The Way” presents a constantly shifting sonic landscape, beginning with percussive patterns and moving into glowing electronic waves before reaching a state reminiscent of Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois’ work on ‘Apollo: Atmospheres & Soundtracks’. However, it concludes on a dissonant note, maintaining a sense of unpredictability.

“Gray Bay Play Watch” opens with a bass tone reminiscent of the internal hum of an aircraft, evolving through several rhythmic and abstracted segments. It is one of the album’s most intricately layered tracks, including playful noises and even a fairground sound. This combination of ominous and joyful elements is reflective of both artists’ unconventional style.

The album features inventive soundscapes and richly detailed compositions, blending elements of electronic music, ambient soundscapes, and manipulated field recordings.

Edvard Graham Lewis is a British musician and songwriter best known for his work with Wire, a band formed in 1976 that played a significant role in the post-punk movement. He has also been involved in various other projects, including He Said, Hox, and Dome, collaborating extensively in experimental and electronic music.

Mark Spybey is a British-Canadian musician and sound artist, notably known for his work with Dead Voices On Air, a project blending ambient, industrial, and experimental elements. Spybey has been a part of several musical projects, including Beehatch, a collaboration with Phil Western, and Altered Statesmen. He was also associated with the influential industrial collective Zoviet France, known for their pioneering work in ambient and experimental music.

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