Ace Of Swords: Vinyl LP

Pre-Order Item. Release Date Subject to Change.
Label: Be With Records
Release Date: 14th November

Take another dip in the exotic glistening waters of Thought Leadership who bring an indulgent balearic all the way from the Berlin of the UK, Stockport. 'Ace of Swords' follows one of our records of the year 'III of Pentancles', whilst their debut stands as veering toward the dreampop their latest finds itself in a more ECM jazz sound as the guitar chops are flexed to virtuoso levels. 

*discount not valid on this super limited release

On a "Balearic-Jazz trip", the phenomenally hyped Thought Leadership returns with
another X ideas: the deck this time chooses the Ace of Swords. In the acclaim
garnered by III of Pentacles, there were many whispers of “Balearic” from those in
the know. As soon as you drop the needle on XI you will be basking in turbo
Balearica.
The sonic palate has been augmented by the addition of synth and bass; there are
more guitar layers, more pedals and more organic drums this time – a much fuller
production. Still DIY, and still recorded straight to multitrack, just ever so slightly
grander in scale; think a rough-hewn, long-lost Claremont 56 cut and you’ll have
some idea of how XI opens this future classic LP.
The touchstones so key to the vision of Pentacles (Cocteau Twins, Dif Juz, Durutti
Column) are all still present and correct; XII could be a piece from Extractions, XIII is
pure Garlands-era Guthrie and, now with the shuffling jazz drums, XV makes TL even
more LC – but more disparate influences are found this time out too. ECM guitar
legends John Abercrombie and Pat Metheny in the more considered melodic
phrasing and harmonic structure of the ideas and a nod to the cosmic Balearic spirit
in the overall vibe, means more is offered to the listener across Swords.
XVI and XVII are the biggest indicators to Thought Leaderships’ new found love of
The Real Book and their grasp of jazz chords. The former sounds like if Mike Hedges
had produced on a heavily sedated ECM date in the early 80s, whilst the latter is
Bright Size Life condensed into a most post-punk shard of Strat conversation. The
syrupy Phase 90 on the lead parts lends much weight to the guitar melodies, a
beautiful tonal counterpoint to the Vox-ish chimes of the plangent chords we’ve all
come to love.
The flip again treats us to three extended, improvised jams. XVIII owes as much to
Canterbury as it does to Krautrock, another modal voyage through the stars. Light
the incense and drift away, guided by delayed cymbals and weaving ribbons of
guitar. XIX has almost a New-Wave/Sophisti-Pop energy to it in tone, if not in
structure and execution. Something almost Tears for Fears-esque in the chiming
chorus guitars. An interesting outlier that has already received a lot of love from
those that have heard it. XX is the starkest idea, and the only piece this time with no
drums. What we do get, however, is a free exploration over a two chord-vamp. It’s
Harvest Time meets Planet Caravan and a fitting end to this Balearic jazz trip.
Be With is honoured to present the first ever vinyl release of Ace Of Swords, carefully
remastered by Be With's engineer Simon Francis to ensure it sounds better than ever
after its initial tape release. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is
lost in the cut at Abbey Road Studios whilst the records have been pressed to the
highest possible standard at Record Industry, in Holland. The original tape cover
artwork, so crucial to Thought Leadership's striking visual aesthetic, has been
rejigged for vinyl issue here at Be With.
The last one flew. You have been warned.
Tracklist:
A1 XI A2 XII A3 XIII A4 XIV A5 XV A6 XVI A7 XVII B1 XVIII B2 XIX B3 XX