Barkum Deer

Barkum Deer's self-titled debut is a product of its time. Introduced by chance in a London house share and confined by stringent Covid-19 restrictions, Louis Giannamore and Jenny Ames quickly bonded over a shared love of early Renaissance music, black metal, and Björk. Amid the bleak reality of a winter lockdown, the pair found a space for creative collaboration unencumbered by deadlines or expectations, fuelled by the catharsis of childlike experimentation.

The result is Barkum Deer, a dense half-hour trip into a sonic landscape of bass-rich drones punctuated by anxious strings and skittering electronic flourishes. A unique palette of viola, drums, and electronics is enriched by innovative sound design (Ames' voice and viola are, incredibly, the sole sound sources for "Extinction Zero") and unlikely samples (listen for the creaking door and dusty footsteps on "Doorway"). In the spirit of their creative process, as well as their meeting, accident also plays a role in Barkum Deer's compositions, with the sounds of leant-on keyboards and headphone feedback finding their way into the final mix.

In creating music simply for its own sake, Barkum Deer have arrived at an album that reflects the duality of its age: its claustrophobic tension and its gentle solitude. In spite of its origins, or perhaps because of them, Barkum Deer is ultimately a joyful record; a document to the possibility of contentment in isolation and a testament to the power of cooperation.

Jenny Ames is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and has enjoyed a varied career as a classically trained viola player, performing with Björk, Floating Points, Mica Levi, and Bonobo, among many others. Louis Giannamore is a drummer, producer, and graduate of Berklee College of Music. He has collaborated with the likes of Gang of Youths, Master Peace, and First Light Records labelmate Kinn.

Barkum Deer have enjoyed continued radio support from Tom Ravenscroft at BBC 6Music, as well as being featured on NTS, Threads, and A Closer Listen.