Cave Of Swimmers Talk About New Album ‘Reflection’
With the release of Reflection drawing near, it could appear quite apt that the Miami based duo talk about their forthcoming album in more detail. Originally from Venezuela, vocalist and multi instrumentalist G.E. Perez and drummer/percussionist Toro explain the recording process, lyrical content and influences.
Recorded at Weeks Recording Studio in Coral Gables and Crossbridge Studio in Pinecrest, Florida, all the music for Reflection was tracked in a mere 4 days!
“We rehearsed a lot prior to entering the studio to record”, G.E. Perez begins. “So when we finally went into it, we were very focused, rehearsed, tight… we recorded basic tracks (drums, rhythm guitars) in only 2 days. We took 2 more days to do solos and vocals. So the whole album was recorded in only 4 days.”
Speaking about the writing process in terms of anything being pre-empted or whether the album was written more organically G.E. Perez states that “there are spaces for improvisation in our music… the mid section of ‘The Skull’ is a great example… ‘Reflection’, the instrumental, has some improvisation in it as well… Especially from Toro’s part. He played his ass off on this record… In any case, for the most part, we rehearsed and composed in our practice room.” Toro adding that the way they write is very organic. “We get together in a small room and just start playing. Whatever comes out… Then we start following the train of thought into wherever the music takes us.”
G.E. Perez goes on to talk about the lyrics, “For me particularly, it was very cathartic to write about how my father neglected my family when I was very young… He just disappeared from the face of the earth. Going from that premise, I thought it’d be cool to draw a parallel with certain bible stories, even though I’m not particularly religious. However, if you want to interpret it that way, like we’re singing about ‘El Deeablow’ and stuff, I guess that’s cool too.”
On influences G.E. Perez says, “As individuals, it may sound clichéd, but our influences are certainly very eclectic. Toro plays in jazz groups, I play Flamenco guitar… I also have a whole new appreciation for the piano. I love Jaco and Wes too. Having said that, when we come together in a room, what comes out is what we listened to when we were in school, which is rock n’ roll. We also love 80’s and early 90’s merengue. As far as bands; everything… all the usual suspects, from AC/DC to ZZ Top.” Toro adds, “We obviously listen to a lot of different types of music. The fact we grew up in South America sets us apart in a good way because we were exposed to Latin music. Right about when G and I started playing rock and metal we also played salsa in a school ensemble. We were only 16 and we got to play all over town. As we grew musically we started exploring other instruments and jazz, classical, American folk music… You name it. When we get together in a room our most primal instinct is to play heavy music, however, we can’t deny our mixed background of eclectic influences.”
Heavy Metal, 70’s Hard Rock, Doom, Stoner, Sludge… Miami duo Cave Of Swimmers are a band that well and truly whet aural senses. Seamlessly weaving an expanse of styles Cave Of Swimmers ARE a band like no other, and reactions from the media and fans alike to their self-titled 2013 debut is testament to that.
Packing the van and hitting the dusty trail Cave Of Swimmers furthered their name even more throughout 2014, earning them a reputation for a band that’s real with a live show like no other, out of control, and full of raw energy.
Following numerous bouts on the road in support of the record the band headed back to Florida and recorded a brand new album Reflection which see’s the light of day on 04th May 2015.
Artwork (as seen above) was completed by Bryan Olson.
Stream Single ‘The Prince Of The Power Of The Air’ Here!
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Tracklist
1. The Prince Of The Power Of The Air
2. The Skull
3. Still Running
4. Reflection (Instrumental)
