Some critics have described LARK‘s music as a powerful union of live instrumentation, soaring vocals and dirty electronic beats. Lead singer Inge Beckmann has an unparalleled ability to stun audiences with her voice and her presence. Their unique production and sound design is the work of producer and instrumentalist Paul Rez.
Together, Paul and Inge formed LARK in 2003, later expanding the line-up to include bassist and studio engineer Simon Fuzzy Ratcliffe and drummer Sean Ou Tim aka Mr. Sakitumi. LARK’s first studio album, Razbliuto, released in 2007, was met with critical acclaim and earned the band a SAMA (South African Music Award) for Best Alternative Album.
Gong Is Struck is the third full-length from the band, and it’s out this week on Next Music. It was written and recorded for almost a year via Skype with Inge in Cape Town and Paul in London. You have to love technology!
You can definitely hear some South African musical influences in tracks such as “We Are Growing” and “He Not a Man.” They also have a sinister, gothic vibe happening in many other tracks on this new album like “Seek to Find” and “I am Zeus.” I would recommend this for fans of Nine Inch Nails, Portishead and Grimes.
The band is also known to put on an energetic live show. They’ve toured all over Europe and Asia. In 2010, LARK headlined South Africa’s biggest alternative music festival RAMFEST. And in August of last year, they showcased new material both at the Oppi Koppi Music Festival and Grand West Arena in South Africa.
Look for LARK to be touring this Summer and Fall to support their new album!
