London-based alternative ensemble Bas Jan have announced the release of their fourth studio album ‘Back To The Swamp‘, and have shared the lead single “At The Counter”.
The follow-up to 2022’s album Baby U Know, will be out on November 10 via Fire Records. Pre-order it here.
According to the press release, the 9-track record is a coming-of-age record; a heady tussle between their incorrigible DIY ethics and new responsibilities. The swamp is an analogy for smudged beginnings and simpler times.
New single “At The Counter” is filled with hope for the “best life” lived, from the bedroom to the pet shop. Raising questions about self-belief whilst journeying towards a four-to-the-floor triumph over self-doubt. Directed by Rachel Horwood and filmed by Aurora Horwood, the flamboyant new music video superbly captures the quizzical narrative of the first single and the band.
Serafina Steer, Charlotte Stock, Emma Smith and Rachel Horwood cast an examining eye over modern times, lost love, Tarot intuition and long days in an everyday swamp. Awash with lush chorale effects, orchestral hewn loops, pin sharp electronic beats and sublime harmonies. Back To The Swamp is filled with thought-provoking stories, it’s a reflective worldview. It’s a polished and poignant collection of perfectly-crafted pop songs that retains their authentic indie edginess.
Check out the album’s tacklist and watch the video for “At The Counter”, below.
Bas Jan ‘Back To The Swamp’ Tracklist:
- At The Counter
- No More Swamp
- Credit Card
- Ding Dong
- Margaret Calvert Drives Out
- Back To The Swamp
- Singing Bar
- Cried A River
- Tarot Card
These new studio recordings feature more accomplished pop production; filled with cerebral one-liners that pluck at the senses. And, there’s a nod to an eclectic mix of influences; The Pet Shop Boys, Lizzy Mercier Descloux, Kate Bush, Heaven 17 and Jon Hassell by way of Brian Eno.
Witches, Tarot readings, road signs, Salt-N-Pepa namechecks and a river all cried out, welcome to the swamp…
Bas Jan Upcoming Live Dates
24 Sep – Moth Club, London w/ Half Japanese
01 Nov – Portland Arms, Cambridge
02 Nov – Cumberland Arms, Newcastle
03 Nov – Nice N Sleazy, Glasgow
04 Nov – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
08 Nov – The Exchange, Bristol
09 Nov – Modern Art, Oxford
10 Nov – Fulford Arms, York
11 Nov – Soup Kitchen, Manchester
Photo credit: Aurora Horwood
