Tamu Massif releases new single 'Iron Lights' off the back of a million streams

Ahead of his forthcoming second EP Bala, supported by the likes of Steve Lamacq, Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson & more on BBC Radio 6 Music

Spotify - iTunes - Soundcloud - Website - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

Tamu Massif has today revealed ‘Iron Lights’; the fourth single from his forthcoming Bala EP. It follows previous releases ‘Holding Back’ (a viral hit globally), ‘Rare Candy’ & ‘OK’, which have taken him over a million streams.

"I don't have a set process,” explains the Bristol-based artist, moniker of Dave Dixon. “Quite often I start with a riff on the piano or guitar and build up sections layering stuff. A lot of the sounds are sampled vocals and guitar lines which I've played around with – stretched and loaded with effects, etc.”

Asked about ‘Iron Lights’, he says: "I was stuck on the song and then finished it while visiting friends in Naples over the New Year. I was away from my home studio so had to use the ‘caps-lock keyboard’ on GarageBand, but wanted to get the part down as soon as it came to me."

Recorded and produced at mostly at home in Bristol, but mixed with (Perfume Genius, Youth Lagoon and PJ Harvey collaborator) Ali Chant, his material is a mirage of thick vocals, reversed guitar and Logic-heavy inspiration. 

Bala is due in early 2017, the follow-up to 2015’s incredibly well-received debut, Alba, which was shown love by BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music as well as a whole host of other stations & key tastemakers. Previously he’s toured in support of The Japanese House, C Duncan & Shakey Graves among others.

MORE INFO AND IMAGES

Press Quotes
“Beautiful" - Lauren Laverne (BBC Radio 6 Music)
“This is a little beauty from Tamu Massif…” - Steve Lamacq (BBC Radio 6 Music)

“With wobbling psych-pop riffs, luscious textures layered thick, and an intimate R&B croon burbling in the sonic thicket, Tamu Massif's latest cut resembles the rustling jungle-y undergrowth presented by Glass Animals - although there are distinct differences too. "Iron Lights" is a sumptuous ode with rich melodic brilliance and a refreshing sense of freedom.” - Line Of Best Fit

"With Dave Dixon’s hoarse vocal left to resonate in acre’s of space, (‘Azora') has shades of Wu Lyf’s anguish about it, but it takes that blueprint somewhere far more sparse. Well worth keeping an ear out for” – NME

"The song begins in delicate solitude with Dixon’s feathery vocals floating beautifully in and out of sparse guitar. It slowly builds into an exquisitely layered excursion, with stuttered, glitchy digital blips, cleverly syncopated drums, and full, gorgeous harmonies." - Stereogum

“A spectacular introduction, it demonstrated the sheer talent on display, in its emotional punch and its musical diversity.” - Clash

"‘Jejune/Selene’; stripped-back and captivatingly enigmatic, hangs like the most faint of Summer afternoons. " – Gold Flake Paint

“Tamu Massif’s new release “Holding Back” is a textured masterpiece, with layers developing as the song intertwines around different musical styles, giving me hints of Bon Iver, James Blake, and José González.” - Indie Shuffle

“Similar to Sufjan Stevens, Vondelpark & Alex G, Tamu Massif explores a compelling intersection of acoustic folk and progressive electronic production.” - Indie Current

"Tamu Massif has crafted something that resonates with as much beauty as intrigue." - Louder Than War

"Dixon’s alluring and somber vocals sit wonderfully on top of layered guitar, a steady kick and inter-weaving moog-like synths." - Stamp The Wax

“The track envelopes a gloomy forecast with a longing for something lost, while at the same time maintaining an uplifting tone with layered harmonies, a pulsing heartbeat bass and delicate synths.” - Earmilk

"Unlike the origins of his name, which is taken from a dormant subaquatic volcano, we expect Tamu Massif is definitely going to blow up” - Wonderland

"Alors de leurs tempos faussement doux, les cadences créent des mélodies labyrinthiques qui éveillent les sens." - Pause Musicale

"On le retrouve, apaisé, pacifié au coin d’un piano, dans le chant inquiet de Dave Dixon, une de ces voix d’apatride qui pourrait compter." - Les Inrocks

March 3, 2017 7:29am ET by Chiverin  

, , , , , , ,

  Shortlink to this content: http://bit.ly/2m2Kc1J

SHARE THIS

Latest Press Releases