Welcome to the mysterious world of Chruch. A one-off project initiated by the Swiss artist Augustin Rebetez and drummer/multi-instrumentalist Pascal Lopinat, in collaboration with the Norwegian vocalist Ida Friis and sound artist/multi-instrumentalist Pia Achternkamp, the group is readying their Le Corps du Triste LP for release on October 1st via Jelodanti Records. Viewed as a singular effort by the collective, the label reports that Chruch will not be playing any live events for the release and that it doesn’t even view itself as a band.
With these temporary parameters providing a nebulous structure for the participants, the quartet is free to explore very peculiar sonic territories. Minimalist in nature and often built around searing drones and proto-rhythmic structures, the real crux of these compositions involve the uncanny vocal contributions of Ida Friis and Augustin Rebetez. For instance, on “Aux couteaux” Friis’ sibylline delivery can be at once unnerving and strangely soothing as a cold wind, while on “Mourir en paix (nakalatch)” Rebetez’s spoken vocals have the gravel and growl of a man demonically possessed.
In typically Chruch fashion, the visuals for “Aux couteaux” are as puzzling as the track itself. Using dream-like imagery, the video’s female protagonists seem to invoke the witches of the Scheulte. Suffused in an inscrutable symbology, we watch as they perform ritualized gestures and actions that seem to flow from somewhere deep in the subconscious.
Below, you can watch the video for “Aux couteaux” and stream the track “Mourir en paix (nakalatch).” In addition, pre-orders for Le Corps du Trieste are available thru Jelodanti Records’ Bandcamp page. As with all offerings from the label, the album is being issued in a limited edition gatefold version complete with hand-stamped art and Jelodanti’s DIY attention to graphic detail. Not to be missed!
