Sonic Boom: All Things Being Equal (Indie Exclusive) Vinyl LP Sonic Boom

“It’s auspicious that Sonic Boom—the solo project and nom-de-producer of Peter Kember (Spectrum, Spacemen 3)—returns in 2020 with its first new LP in three decades. Kember’s drawn to the year’s numerological potency, and this intentionality shines into every corner of All Things Being Equal. Sonic Boom’s second album and first for Carpark began in 2015 as electronic jams. The original sketches of electronic patterns, sequenced out of modular synths, were so appealing that Stereolab’s Tim Gane encouraged Kember to release them instrumentally. ‘I nearly did,’ confesses Kember, ‘but the vibe in them was so strong that I couldn’t resist trying to ice the cake.’ Three years later, a move to Portugal saw him dusting off the backing tracks, adding vocals inspired by Sam Cooke, The Sandpipers, and the Everly Brothers, as well as speculative, ominous spoken word segments. An unusually curated gear list accompanies each song, unexpected layers reinforcing the monophonic skeletons. Mystery soundscapes and grinding sweeps were teased from EMS synths, synonymous with and evocative of ‘60s BBC scoring and ‘70s Eno. Pacing basslines oscillating into warbling heartbeats came from a cheap ‘80s Yamaha. A modern OP-1 generated subtle kicks and eerie theremins, while his toy Music Modem—an unused holdover from sessions Kember produced for Beach House and MGMT—finally found its recorded home. It’s rare to see liner notes where synthesizers rather than humans are credited (other than guest vocal stints from ‘co-conspirators’ Panda Bear and Britta Phillips), but Kember is masterful at finding the unique personality in his machines. What emerges from these considerations on technology and humanity is a honed collection both philosophical and grooving, spacious even as it fills to its brim.” – Carpark Records

• black vinyl pressing
• indie exclusive edition
• housed in reflective foil jacket w/ full color printed inner sleeve
• includes glossy foldout poster + reflective foil art print
• digital download included
• limited edition of 1500
• music label: Carpark Records 2020