The Constellations release 'Setback' The Debut Single, on March 8th and announce London Shows.
Atlanta group The Constellations land in the UK for the first time this spring with the release of their debut single, Setback, on March 8th, and a clutch of live dates that will show us Brits why this seven-piece band is gearing up to be one of the most exciting new acts to emerge this year.
The Constellations are led by magnetic frontman and vocalist Elijah Jones, the ringleader of the twisted circus that makes up the group. Jones has spent two years writing and recording with producer Ben H. Allen (Animal Collective, Gnarls Barkley), along with a collection of personalities from the Atlanta music scene, among them Cee Lo and Asher Roth, both of whom will feature on the band’s debut album, expected for release later this year. The first glimpse of what’s to come arrives in the form of Setback, a psychedelic freak-out of wiggling synthesizers and vintage organ, shot through with a nasal drawl reminiscent of the Beastie Boys, and a wordless chorus that just won’t let go.
Atlanta has provided the backdrop and soundtrack for Elijah Jones’ life since childhood. “It is a huge city, but it still has a small town feel to it,” explains the singer. “Everybody knows everybody, you run into the same people at the same bars every week. It is strange,” he adds, “because we’re all basically pushed together.” The hip-hop heads, punk rockers, and indie kids all rub shoulders and mix it up. The band’s music reflects that inclusive diversity in its far-reaching sound, with the singer, who cites Tom Waits and Cee-Lo (Goodie Mob, Gnarls Barkley) as his musical heroes, working with a producer that name-checks Fela Kuti and Gorillaz among the music’s key influences.
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The Constellations’ name pays homage to the myriad musicians who either contributed to making their forthcoming album or played in the live band. And oh, what a live band! In Atlanta, their shows are gaining legendary status, and word is fast spreading further afield through extensive US touring, most recently dates with RJD2 and their own headline shows. Although the live band line-up has gone through numerous changes, today its stable core finds Jones accompanied by a five-piece combo and the non-stop shimmy, shout and wail of two female back-up singers.
With The Constellations, Elijah Jones beckons the listener to keep up as he lurches from Atlanta’s Clermont Lounge to the Drunken Unicorn and beyond, his carnival bark variously underpinned with dizzy disco whorls and eddies, and anchored by soulful choruses of irresistible exhortations, or drawing inspiration from the laidback ‘70s vignettes of Iggy Pop and Lou Reed. Elsewhere, 60‘s folk rock harmonies give way to extended percussion jams into an ecstatic abandon on a par with LCD Soundsystem. More cowbell? You don’t have to ask twice.
The Constellations will be bringing their live show to London in March - dates below - before heading to Austin for SxSW.
March
Monday 1st LONDON, Camden Barfly
Tuesday 2nd LONDON, Kentish Town, Flowerpot
Wednesday 3rd LONDON, Hoxton Bar & Kitchen
Thursday 4th LONDON, Hoxton Underbelly
Friday 5th LONDON, Club NME @ Koko
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