Biography
SonVer formed in November 2003, when Joanna Quail [cello] and Ben McLees [guitar] wrote and recorded 'Until The Stones Melt', a 9-minute track which would form the template for SonVer's cinematic, post-rock soundscapes.
The duo recorded SonVer's eponymous debut during the first half of 2005, which would be released on Disconnected Music in the November of that year.
SonVer's live shows at the time incorporated visuals by Simon Bryant, the largely monochrome, slow-motion films perfectly complementing SonVer's evocative music.
During 2006, SonVer's presence on the live scene grew. In addition to several shows at London's legendary The Spitz venue, the duo also performed at WGT Festival in Germany, Ashton Court Festival in Bristol and a year-ending headline set at Teviot Underground in Edinburgh.
2007 began with the release of the 4-track 'Vigil' EP, which showcased the elegaic side of SonVer alongside an incendary live version of 'Khat Show Host', still a live favourite to this day.
During the summer of 2007. SonVer expanded to a 4-piece, with the additions of guitarist/bassist Ruban Byrne and drummer Alistair Richardson.
Following the live debut of the new line-up at The Luminaire, SonVer closed 2007 with a memorable show at The Union Chapel in London.
2008 began with a gig in Lisbon [Portugal], co-inciding with the release of the limited edition 'Music Box' EP [also featuring Rose McDowall and Naevus], which included two otherwise-unavailable SonVer tracks.
May 2008 saw the release of a new SonVer EP. Entitled '3 Songs', the new release came in the form of a collaboration with Belgian group Elephant Leaf. Named 'single of the week' by influencial music magazine Organ, the EP was launched at a second show at The Union Chapel, which saw Elephant Leaf vocalist Lucie Dehli join SonVer for a finale of 'Safety In Numbness', the closing track on '3 Songs'.
During the summer, SonVer teamed up with Ed Simpson of Lautrec to perform an AV/live soundtrack set during the festival season. Entitled '2001: A Space Dub Odyssey', the set was performed to packed film/cinema tents at both Latitude and Green Man Festivals in the UK.
In November 2008, SonVer released their second album 'Luz del Abyss', supported by a live show in Leige [Belgium] and a third appearance at The Union Chapel in London. A promotional video for single ‘Ebusus’ has been created by filmmaker Ed Christmas (see http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JEPnvVfjBa0 ). SonVer will be incorporating Ed’s live visuals in to their shows at selected venues and festivals throughout 2009.
2009 has already seen a performanace at L'Atelier Rock, Belgium, Volkspalast Leipzig (part of WGT festival) and the Brighton Festival.
Music fans who enjoy Mogwai, Efterklang, Godspeed! You Black Emporer, Battles, Sigur Ros, Nine Inch Nails, Cocteau Twins and Dead Can Dance will enjoy SonVer.
Instrumentation
Joanna Quail - Acoustic and Electric Cellos, Programming
Ben McLees - Guitar, Bass, Programming, Keyboards
Ruban Byrne - Guitar, Bass, Fx
Alistair Richardson - Drums, Piano, Guitar
Discography
'Luz del Abyss' second album released December 2008 [Disconnected Music]
'3 Songs' EP released May 2008 [Line Out Records]
'Music Box 2008' compilation released January 2008 [Dagaz Music, Portugal]
'Vigil EP' released May 2007 [Disconnected Music]
'SonVer' first full album released November 2005 [Disconnected Music]
'EP 2' released February 2005 [self-released]
'EP1' released August 2004 [self-released]