Ex Libras

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The wonderful Ex Libras have been going strong for just about a year now and they've already accumulated an impressive, critically acclaimed body of work. Amit Sharma (vox, guitar), Ross Kenning (drums) and Kieran Nagi (keys) have consistently proved they have the capacity to venture into sonic extremes.

The band released their debut single Radar album Suite(s) last year. After garnering praise from their peers and critics alike, they went onto tour Europe and released their second single Underachiever shortly after. Classic Rock Prog gave the band their first ever full page feature, whilst Q and Clash magazine highlighted Radar as their Track of the Day on their websites and they now count Tom Robinson of BBC 6Music and John Kennedy at XFM as fans.

"...[Suite(s)] weaves its intoxicating post-rock spell with an unpredictable, addictive flourish."
- Classic Rock Prog, review of Suite(s)

"...an album that's all about building then shattering tension..."
- Rock Sound, review of Suite(s)

It was always inevitable then that Ex Libras would catch the attention of EyeSeeSound, who grabbed the chance to work with the boys to record one of their Live DVD EPs. Both EyeSeeSound and Ex Libras share the same sensibilities - to create and promote independent music for all.

The content is generous with those who purchase able to view a five-song live session, own the mp3s of this session, see interview footage, and in this case also feature three music videos as bonus material.



Now, as Ex Libras approach the end of their Suite(s) cycle, the band are set to release their acoustic EP - Cut(s) on September 6th 2010. Cut(s) approaches the songs from Suite(s), from a different, fresh new angle. The band have taken the bare parts from five of the songs on their aforementioned debut album (in order: "Underachiever", "Sum Numbers", "Discharge", "Phat Knickers" and "Radar") and reshaped, remoulded, remixed and reinvented them into their own version of what an acoustic EP should be the only way Ex Libras could - thus creating a new genre for the EP - loopcoustica. The title tracks of the songs on Cut(s) are lyrics found on each of the aforementioned songs on Suite(s).

Much like Suite(s) the EP is another DIY affair; everything from the beats, the vocals and the percussion was recorded at the much talked about infamous Shed - Ex Libras manmade recording studio and rehearsal space.

On Cut(s) they ditch the climatic noise build-ups for a calmer and subtle cinematic tension. The EP as a whole is beautifully intricate and atmospheric, best listened to on (large) headphones to maximize your Ex Libras listening pleasure. Guest instrumentalist on the EP is cellist Ruth Campbell (Ariel's Up), who the boys met whilst on their Northern UK tour. Ruth perfectly compliments the sound and feel of the EP.

However, the Ex Libras train doesn't stop here. The band have plans to tour the EP and then head straight back to The Shed to write and record new material for their second album. They are a band that continue to push their own artistic boundaries and develop their sound, which proves they are one of the most exciting up and coming young acts in the UK.