Josh Thorpe has announced the release of his album Love & Weather by sharing new single Manhattan.
A Glasgow-based Canadian, Josh has straddled the line between visual artist and musician for some time. Having studied experimental music with renowned composer James Tenney, who was a student of John Cage, married to Carolee Schneemann, and whose naked bottom can be seen in one of Yoko Ono’s films, Josh has cut his teeth in a rather unorthodox environment. This plays out in the music he creates, with Manhattan a perfect showcase for his forthcoming album release.
Off kilter guitars are accented by Josh’ monotone, spoken word style vocal range. The track runs like a voice over for a day in the life of Josh Thorpe as we are given a sneak peak of what he sees and feels. The single takes on elements of some of the alternative rock greats from underground America – think a smattering of Sonic Youth here, a dose of Sebadoh there – as Josh vocally invokes the spirit animal of Lou Reed. Really impressive opening of what should be, at the very least, and interesting album to kick off 2021.
Also featuring Rory Haye (Alex Rex) on bass, and Owen Curtis Williams (prev. Rozi Plain, Pictish Trail) on drums, Love & Weather is the culmination of a diverse life that has seen Thorpe live in Toronto and now Glasgow, and make an indelible mark on the world of art, Love & Weather is an immersive assortment of reflections of a universe where people, animals, elements, and forces are all colliding in a ridiculous and wonderful mess.
Manhattan is out now.