Blunt Mountains have provided a suitably weird and wonderful Wotsit-filled video to Cantaloupe’s disco banger ‘0891 50 50 50’ taken from the debut album Zoetrope.
Nottingham based synth/guitar/drums band Cantaloupe released their debut album Zoetrope on limited edition 12” vinyl and digital download through Hello Thor Records on Monday 16 March 2015.
Whilst the influence of acts such as The Human League, Patrick Cowley and Giorgio Moroder are clearly evident, you do not have to scratch very deep to realise Zoetrope is far more than a document to the history of electro-pop. They also embody the joyous afro-pop spirit of legends such as K. Frimpong and S.E. Rogie as well as the swirling, beat driven repetition of Krautrock’s Harmonia and Kraftwerk.
Alongside the classic influences Cantaloupe also draw inspiration from contemporary electronic heroes such as Stereolab, Broadcast, M83 and Tortoise. Listening a little closer you can even hear the hints of Daft Punk and Holy Fuck colliding with the time signature driven mind-mash of Battles and Quack Quack.
Zoetrope showcases Cantaloupe’s full gamut of twisting sound and emotion – from the groovy hedonism of opener Big Kiss to the swish electro-synthpop of Indigo; from the unyielding hands-in-the-air hardcore of live favourite 0891 50 50 50 to the queasy, introspective, haunting melodicism of Labour and Love. This album is a collection of 10 lush, effervescent, endlessly inventive and oddly reflective pop songs, including Cantaloupe’s first non- instrumental tracks (featuring the vocal talents of Eleanor Lee and Tom A.D).
Having performed throughout Europe with artists as diverse as Damo Suzuki, Acid Mothers Temple, Beaty Heart, AK/DK, RM Hubbert, Aidan Moffat, Blanck Mass, That Fucking Tank and Cowtown Cantaloupe embark on an extensive UK tour in support of the album throughout April and into May and June.
Cantaloupe’s debut release, the 4 track Teapot EP, was picked up by Gideon Coe (BBC 6 Music) and Huw Stephens (Radio 1) as well as being featured by NME, Amazing Radioand many other.
Zoetrope was produced by celebrated producer Peter Fletcher. Cantaloupe are Aaron Doyle (drums), John Simson (synths), Eleanor Lee (synths, vocals) and David Stockwell (guitars).
Cantaloupe Tour Dates
Apr 17 – The Eagle Inn, Salford w/ Monster Killed By Laser, Barringtone & Hot Shorts
Apr 18 – Chameleon Arts Cafe, Nottingham w/ Galaxians & blunt mountains
May 8th – The Hairy Dog, Derby w/ Cheap Jazz & more TBC
May 9th – MK Gallery, Milton Keynes w/ Arabrot/John Doran, Chrononautz & Klaar
May 22nd – Corner House, Cambridge w/ model village & Alnegator
May 23rd – Star of Kings, London w/ model village & Alnegator
May 24th – The Wheatsheaf, Oxford w/ model village & Alnegator
Jun 25 – Venue TBC, Nottingham w/ Elk & The Skipping Forecast
Jun 26 – The Audacious Art Experiment, Sheffield w/ Elk & The Skipping Forecast
Jun 27th – The Matrix Club, Grimsby w/ Elk, The Skipping Forecast & East On Main
