Robert George Saull & The Purgatory Players + Dan Smith + Sarah Mac + Sam Scherdel

Robert George Saull & The Purgatory Players

Gardens

Robert George Saull was formed in Shropshire, late in 1986. The Purgatory Players were formed in Sheffield in early 2009 and their debut E.P., 'Gardens', was conceived in the latter part of that year.

Those geographical facts are mostly incidental, however, because the music they make together isn't rooted in a particular place or time. It takes in many disparate elements - both thematic (religion, philosophy, literature) and stylistic (folk, rock, folk-rock, prog, pop), yet remains both cohesive in form and immediate in impact.

That much of the material on 'Gardens' was written during Saull's time spent living in France is perhaps worthy of note. 'Fer Elsass', the EP's stately closing track, draws from his experience of the unemployment of traditional artisans and craftsmen in the Alsace region, taking musical cues from the pomp of Canadian ensemble Arcade Fire and the dark, clever wordplay of Nick Cave. It was recorded at Sheffield's G2 Studios, whose client list also includes The Long Blondes, Neil McSweeney and The Millipedes.

The E.P. opens with the powerful call-to-arms and existential diatribe 'The Answers'. Drawing from a palette that includes Appalachian folk, Mariachi rhythms and disturbing, Scott Walker-esque lyrics, it is less a song and more a statement of dark intent. 'Joanna', meanwhile, channels the baroque pop stylings of post-Millennial Morrissey or The Divine Comedy. Embellished by the inclusion of a string quartet, it's an affecting, pathos-laden lament.

Pivotal third track 'The Old Willow Tree' is a tribute to great Chansons artist Jacques Brel, yet also perhaps the most personal song included. A Beirut/Tom Waits-ian arrangement drives the mournful and heartfelt lyrical content, allowing the song to flow into the frightening post-apocalyptic nightmare of 'Fer Elsass'.

Live, the band - principally Robert George Saull (rhythm guitar, vocals); Robert Grant (lead guitar, harmonium); Neal Heppleston (electric and upright bass, vocals) and Andrew Hirst (drums, vocals) - deliver the material with an imperious fervour, using conventional instruments in unconventional ways and often employing the services of guest musicians on strings, keys and other instruments.

The Purgatory Players' live show has, to date, included members of Electric Tape Recorder, Fury Of The Headteachers, The Contortionist & The Wandering Boy Poets, Situationists, Screaming Maldini, Twilight Gnats and Urgent Talk. Their displays over the past twelve months (including a rapturously received set at the Tramlines Festival with The XX) have established them as one of the most compelling new acts around.

'Gardens' is released on the band's own Interesting Records imprint, and will be launched with a special headlining performance at The Plug in February.

QUOTES

"Idiosyncratic, intelligent and intense, with wry lyricism, complex arrangements and ferocious delivery. While so many Sheffield bands are looking over their shoulders, RGS&TPP are not only looking forward but galloping ahead" - Kicking Against The Pricks

"A throwback to traditions forgotten perhaps by the modern mind, but certainly not the spirit. It's folk borne on a regal procession, both grounded and ambitious" - Thee Sheffield Phonographic Corporation

"Very British, in a good way" - Jens Lekman

"Beautiful / wonderful stuff" - Owen Brinley (Grammatics)

"Whimsy without annoyance, weirdness without pretence... so decidedly skewed against the grain, it's hard to escape their charms" - ANewBandADay.com