Photo credit: Andrea Martin
After recently announcing news of their debut self-titled album, which is set for release August 19th via Sacred Bones Records, new four-piece Exploded View, fronted by German/Bristol political- journalist-turned-musician/singer Anika, are sharing their new video 'Orlando'.

The band are set to play London on August 23rd at The Shacklewell Arms, as well as various European dates this summer.  

Reflecting on the song's title 'Orlando', Anika issued the following statement:  "The song 'Orlando' was written at the end of 2014, and its video was completed shortly before the terrible events in Orlando, FL, in the early hours of June 12th, when the most deadly mass shooting in the United States shook the country, the world and the queer community to its core, as the targets were clearly chosen, simply for being who they were, conducted in a space that has traditionally been one of protection, a safe haven for the queer community for decades: the dance floor. Quoting from Virginia Woolf's iconic novel Orlando: a Biography (1928), “Life, it sings, or croons rather, like a kettle on a hob, Life, life what art thou?”, as the main character has become a symbol to all those who believe they can free themselves from the restrictions imposed on our bodies, on our freedoms, to or from; the song is a celebration of life's simple pleasures; of union in our differences. In the wake of our pain, when some have downplayed the chosen identity of the victims, while others may have concentrated solely on that, it is important to remember that this affects all of us. Whatever happens, dance floors should continue to be a space for freedom of expression, for life's simple pleasures and a safe haven for so many communities around the world." 

The 'Orlando' video is the new offering from Exploded View and Grandmas. After collaborating with Anika on her single 'In the City'  the two decided to pair up for Exploded View's 'Orlando'. The video follows 'Minjoon' a Korean immigrant in Europe who finds a friend and introduces him to the simple pleasures of line dancing.  

Watch 'Orlando' here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UQYoHK5TD4

Anika released her self-titled debut album in collaboration with Geoff Barrow’s Invada imprint and Stones Throw to critical acclaim in 2010. This new project was created during the rehearsal sessions for Anika's Mexican live debut back in March 2014.  An unexpected partnership formed between Annika and local producers, Martin Thulin (Crocodiles producer) synth-head Hugo Quezada (Robota) and Riotboy sweetheart Hector Melgarejo (Jessy Bulbo / Nos llamamos) to form Exploded View.

The four musicians discovered a new sound, several steps removed from the krautrock-isms of Henderson’s previous work during their rehearsals and live performances in Mexico City. The straight to tape sessions that followed in the San Rafael neighborhood, ventured somewhere new; a lighter place, unguarded, veering from any script.  Improvisation was the guiding principle and the source of the band’s inspiration. The studio itself was outfitted so that every sound produced in the room would be recorded. A Tascam 388 8-track captured everything – fully live, fully improvised, first-takes only. Produced by Thulin and Quezada and mastered by Josh Bonati in NYC.
 
For fans of Can, dub, and political revolution, Exploded View are:
 
Annika Henderson (Anika) - D - Singer / Synth
Martin Thulin - SWE - Drums / Guitar
Hugo Quezada - MEX - Bass / Synth
Hector Melgarejo - MEX - Synth / Guitar
 
‘Exploded View’ is set for release August 19th via Sacred Bones Records.
 
See Exploded View live:
 
13th Aug – La Route Du Rock, Saint Malo, FR
18th Aug - Point FMR, Paris, FR
19th Aug - De Nieuwe Anita, Amsterdam, NL
21st Aug – Green Man Festival, Wales, UK
23rd Aug - Shacklewell Arms, London, UK
24th Aug – Connges Annules Festival, Luxembourg, LU
27th Aug - Het Bos, Antwerp, BE
28th Aug – Übel &Gefährich, Hamburg, DE
30th Aug - Skjul Fyra Sex, Gothenberg, SE
31st Aug - Inkonst, Malmo, SE
1st Sep - Loppen, Copenhagen, DK
2nd Sep – Pop Kultur Festival, Berlin, DE
3rd Sep - Big Next Festival, Gent, BE
4th Sep - Worm, Rotterdam, NL
7th Sep - Le Bourg, Lausanne, CH
9th Sep - Conne Island, Leipzig, DE
10th Sep – 007, Prague, CZ

'Exploded View' artwork:
 

 
‘Exploded View’ track list:

1. Lost Illusions
2. One Too Many
3. Orlando (mp3)
4. Call On The Gods
5. Disco Glove
6. Stand Your Ground
7. No More Parties In The Attic (mp3)
8. Lark Descending
9. Gimme Something
10. Beige
11.  Killjoy 

Links:
Exploded View Facebook
Exploded View Instagram
Exploded View Twitter
Exploded View Tumblr
Exploded View Sacred Bones page

For more information please contact frankie@stereosanctity.co.uk / t. +44 7921 176502.