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Overmono Went Out Of Their Minds Making Pure Devotion
Electronic duo Overmono, comprising brothers Tom and Ed Russell, have released their second album, Pure Devotion, via XL Recordings, following on from their acclaimed 2023 debut Good Lies. The album's title reflects the extreme lengths the pair went to during recording, and it marks a further step up for a group who have built a reputation through UK garage-influenced tracks, high-profile festival slots and collaborations with artists including Fred again.. and Lil Yachty.
To make the record, Overmono retreated to isolated locations in Iceland and northwest Spain, abandoning sleep and routine while experimenting with unconventional recording methods inspired by Sylvia Massy's book on unorthodox studio techniques. They used vintage synthesisers, erased tape with magnets, turned an old train station speaker into a filter, and even coated a cymbal in coffee, vinegar and crisps before baking it in an oven to create unique sounds. The album also features collaborators such as Tennessee R&B artist Kindora and John Joseph Holt, whom the brothers connected with individually, expanding on the more insular approach of their earlier work as solo producers Truss and Tessela.
In short
- Overmono release second album Pure Devotion via XL Recordings.
- Duo used extreme, unconventional methods, including baking a cymbal in an oven.
- Album features guest collaborators Kindora and John Joseph Holt.
Explained simply
Overmono is an electronic music duo made up of brothers Tom and Ed Russell. They have established themselves in the UK electronic scene through garage-influenced music, festival performances, and collaborations with other artists, gaining increased prominence following their debut album in 2023.
Their recent album release is noteworthy for the unconventional recording approach the brothers employed. Working in isolated locations, they experimented with unorthodox production methods including vintage synthesisers, erased tape, and everyday items modified in unusual ways to generate distinctive sounds. This hands-on, experimental process reflects how some contemporary electronic producers approach studio work.