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last updated 3 June, 2008
June 2007
Mermaid Kiss
Etarlis
Cat No: MERM 03 CD
Barcode: 634479534676
11 tracks: 60min 37sec
Release: 18th June 2007
After months of speculation and preparation, Mermaid Kiss have this month announced the released of their latest album – Etarlis. This ambitious and complex work is described by the band as a series of musical illustrations of the fantasy story of the same name, written by Jamie and Evelyn over recent years. The music, at times filmic in its linear song constructions and orchestral arrangements, features vocals from founder member Evelyn Downing as well as Kate Belcher, first heard on the band’s previous release, the ep Salt on Skin.
The album’s 11 tracks, written and arranged by Jamie Field and Andrew Garman, range from progressive pieces, full of melodies, counter-melodies, sweeping strings and orchestral sounds, to simple piano and guitar based arrangements, an added edge supplied by lead guitarist Nigel Hooton and a range of woodwind instruments played by Wendy Marks. Guest performances from Troy Donockley (Iona) and Jonathan Edwards (Panic Room & ex-Karnataka) also feature in this hour long journey through a strange landscape.
The story follows the experiences of two friends as they stumble upon a parallel world while on a walking holiday in Snowdonia. Etarlis, the country they find themselves in, is caught in conflict and threatened by invaders and in this place beyond the restrictions of reason and science the girls meet many people. Some of these appear on the album, some appear on the website www.etarlis.co.uk, launched to coincide with the album’s release. Fans of mermaid kiss will have noticed the appearance of the protagonists, Anna and Gerri, among the band’s myspace friends in recent months at www.myspace.com/mermaidkissuk.
Formed in 2000, mermaid kiss first appeared on the music scene in 2003 with their eponymous debut, The Mermaid Kiss Album. Following Evelyn’s move to university the band began working with other vocalists, releasing Salt on Skin in 2006. The band’s collaborative approach to writing and recording creates a diverse palette of sounds and styles which defy classification, but which have been described as:
"Haunting, sexy and compelling... One of THE releases of this or any other year." (Michael Sullivan, The Here & There)
"To say this is an emotionally charged album replete with gorgeous melodies, stunning vocal work and beautifully conceived ideas, would be an understatement." (Greg Cummins, Sea Of Tranquility)
"Outstanding... an album of incredible depth and strength." (Russ Elliot, Musical Discoveries)
To find out more about Etarlis, the album and the story visit www.etarlis.co.uk.
Further details about Mermaid Kiss can be found at www.mermaidkiss.co.uk.
For more information, images or to arrange an interview with band members please contact Jamie Field on music@mermaidkiss.co.uk.
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