25
May
2015
The first half of 2015 is proving productive for the British musician and vocalist Dave Pen. As joint frontman of
the art-rock collective Archive, a European tour to promote their well received new album concluded in early
April with a sold-out show at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire. That same week saw a self-titled debut release
by We Are Bodies, a new duo formed by Dave with composer Robin Foster.
Now comes ‘In The Company Of Imaginary Friends’, the third album by Dave in cahoots with fellow Archive-ist
Mike Bird as BirdPen. Released on 18th May, it is an expansive collection of spatial, occasionally experimental
yet cinematic guitar based rock that thematically explores the concept of reaching out for freedom in a world
that is forever spiralling out of control.
“The composition and detail of this music is at times astonishing. This is a truly remarkable work. Surrender to it.”
PROG magazine – album review
”Sumptuous production, ambitious arrangements and impressively sprawling tunes.”
CLASSIC POP magazine – album review
Although redolent at times of Radiohead, Tears For Fears, Simple Minds and Talk Talk, a new promo video for a
song entitled ‘Equal Parts Hope And Dread’ displays a much darker side to the band. Premiered via the Prog
magazine site, it can be viewed here :
The claustrophobic nature of both the music and visuals for that track are in stark contrast to a video made for
another album song, ‘Lifeline’ :
‘In The Company Of Imaginary Friends’ is out now on Jar Records/Fintage Music.
