Biography
From wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keser):
Keser are a Scottish band from Edinburgh, UK. Keser was formed by Kevan Whitley and Gavin Clark, and debuted in 2005. According to Is this music? magazine, they
"achieve in their tracks a new sound drenched in guitar-based electronica...they are able to explore the syntax of electronica with awe and excitement", Issue 24 Winter 2006 .
Fusing an experimental, unique guitar style with synthesised beats has resulted in a new progressive form of guitar-based electronica.
Keser are signed to UK indie label Alex Tronic Records, their first release being an album consisting of 12 tracks, Esoteric Escape. The album was recorded at the home of Alex Tronic Records with label manager and producer Paul Croan, who also releases music as artist Alex Tronic. He has previously released and licenced music to many labels, notably Koyote/Peyote Records and Cherry Red Records.
The album was then mastered by Geoff Allan at CaVa Studios in Glasgow, Scotland. Geoff Allan's past credits include working with Arab Strap, Lapsus Linguae, Mogwai, Camera Obscura, Franz Ferdinand, Mercury Rev, Fiel Garvie, Sons and Daughters, Fickle Public, Flying Matchstick Men and Malcolm Middleton.
When performing live, Keser lean towards an instrumental, heavy, distorted and energetic approach but will also perform quieter ambient textures within their music. This musical dynamic draws comparisons to genres like shoegaze, art rock, metal and post rock. Their live set up involves electric guitar, bass, keyboards, drum machines, effects, samplers and a laptop.
Their live sound has been described by Scottish magazine The Skinny as follows; "Comparisons made to Boards of Canada and Mogwai are justified, as Keser's sound has a beautiful, ethereal depth to it, taking the listener on a hypnotic flight through their utopian world. The escapism starts with delicate ambient strings washed over faint vocals and samples. When live, Keser have a dynamic energy full of distorted guitar and crunchy beats backed by some imposing visuals...Proving yet again, what exceptional eletronica is out there in Scotland waiting to be heard"[1]
Their second album, entitled 'Robo_Ghost' will be released on 2nd November 2009 on Alex Tronic Records. It was recorded and produced in Edinburgh by Paul Croan.
Live Highlights
Keser toured their debut album in Scandinavia with shows in Norway and Denmark during December 2006.
Notable support shows since then include Christ., Ulrich Schnauss, The Phantom Band, Sleepy Sun and Amazing Baby.
Festival Appearances
UK Festivals:
Spectrum Festival, 2007
Stu Fest, 2007
Leith Festival, 2008
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2009
RockNess Festival, 2009
International Festivals:
Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, Germany, 2007
Sled Island Festival in Calgary, Canada, 2009
Radio Sessions
Keser have appeared live on UK National Radio (Fresh Air FM Edinburgh) during February and May 2007. Current airplay for tracks from Esoteric Escape also include BBC Radio Scotland, Xfm, Radio K in Minneapolis, USA, Static Airwaves, Canada and Leith FM, Edinburgh.
Keser track '4_Cycles' was listed as one of the top 10 discoveries of 2007 for DJ Al Chivers of Leith FM.
They performed live and were interviewed during a radio session on Tide/Phonanza 96,0 FM, Hamburg in 2007
Instrumentation
Kevan Whitley - Guitar/Drum Machines/Laptop
Gavin Clark - Bass/Keyboards/Laptop
Discography
Esoteric Escape - Debut Album released August 2006 on Alex Tronic Records. Full-Scale Release Worldwide.
Alex Tronic Records Volume 1 - a compilation cd featuring Keser track 'Horus Lives'.
Robo_Ghost - Album released 2nd November 2009 on Alex Tronic Records
Various tracks have been streamed and played on radio including Radio 1 Scotland, XFM and Fresh Air FM. 2 Live sets also performed on Fresh Air FM and Tide/Phonanza in Hamburg, Germany.
Links
| http://www.keser.co.uk |
| Keser Wikipedia |
| Keser Myspace |