“WITH HIS GREAT ARTISTS, JOE VOLK PROVES THAT MUSIC CAN VERY WELL GET BETTER AND BETTER IF YOU INVEST A LOT OF TIME IN IT. THAT’S HOW YOU DIG DEEP INTO THE INSTRUMENTS, LET THE DIRT GET INTO YOUR PORES, FEEL THE PURE LIFE AND MAGIC IN THE BEATS.” – ARTNOIR MAGAZINE

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TRACKLIST

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Credits:

Artwork – Sam Messenger
Design – Joe Volk
Lacquer Cut By – Jörg Peters
Mastered By – Shawn Joseph
Photography By – Esther May Campbell
Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Adrian Utley, Ben Salisbury, James King, Jim Barr, Joe Garcia, Joe Volk, Luke Harney, Mark Ophidian, Nicola Jannuzzo, Stuart Matthews
Written by – Joe Volk

Bampfylde Moore Carew

Soliloquy

The Walker

These Feathers Count

Sirens

The Thief Of Ideals

Is Pyramid

The Curve

Yellow Sneak

WATCH & LISTEN

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Story

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Bristol native and currently based in Bern, Switzerland, solo artist Joe Volk was one of the first musicians to be signed to Invada Records (including Sleaford Mods, Beaken>), Geoff Barrow’s (Portishead) label. However, he is best known to a wider audience as the lead singer, guitarist and (co)songwriter of Crippled Black Phoenix, where he was their only permanent member alongside Justin Greaves between 2006 and 2013.

In addition, Joe Volk has repeatedly appeared as a songwriter for soundtracks, short films and documentaries. Among other things, he was also significantly involved in the soundtrack of the Oscar-nominated documentary “Exit Through The Gift Shop” about the British street artist Banksy.

In February 2016 now appears with ‘Happenings and Killings’ on Glitterhouse Records, Volk’s first solo album since his departure from Crippled Black Phoenix. A first taste will be available in the form of an exclusive video already at the end of December this year. The clip for the album’s first single, “Soliloquy,” was directed by award-winning artist Craig Murray, known for his work with Mogwai or Converge.

For ‘Happenings and Killings’ Volk worked closely with Emmy-nominated songwriters and producers Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow (Portishead). The new album was mixed by Volk himself in collaboration with Jim Barr (Portishead, Get The Blessing) and musician and artist Leafcutter John. Also featured on ‘Happenings and Killings’ are guest musicians Billy Fuller (Robert Plant, BEAK>), Adrian Utley (Portishead), Mark Ophidian (US, Animals With Machinery), Guy Metcalfe (Thought Forms) and Luke Harney (Typesun).

The bandwidth of the album ranges from acoustic songs, which are supported by analog electronic elements, to pieces that are characterized by folk-typical vocal harmonies and sophisticated guitar work.

Ben Salisbury wrote the orchestral score for Yellow Sneak, which was recorded by the Bristol Ensemble Orchestra, with Volk providing haunting acoustic guitar and vocal accompaniment. In contrast to this are songs like the first single “Soliloquy” or “Is Pyramid” with programmed drums, warm, analog synths, e-guitars and samples as well as Joe Volks’ filigree, touching vocals.

‘Happenings and Killings‘ is an album that could not be more versatile. Characterized by different sounds and diverse genres, it seems like a unified whole despite its wide-ranging influences.

‘Happenings and Killings’ will be released on February 19, 2016 on Glitterhouse Records. In spring 2016, Joe Volk will also be touring the UK and Europe with a new live band to present his new album live.