Closer is the ambient/ drone project of Liam Daly, the guitarist and a founding member of cult post rock band These Hands.
Drawing inspiration from ambient and avant grade musical stalwarts like A Winged Victory For The Sullen, Lights Out Asia and Fourteen Nights At Sea, Daly has just released Monsoon – an aptly titled collection of four wholly engulfing ambient post rock gems.
To celebrate the release of Monsoon (which you can stream below) we chatted to Daly about the birth of Closer and the creation of his latest release.
The Birth Of The Project
“After my old band These Hands (Could Separate The Sky) disbanded a few years ago, I’ve been busy with numerous projects. With Closer, I’ve settled on blasting people with strobe lights, smoke machines, sub bass and loud noises. But my friends say I’m a nice guy.
I started Closer with no intention of it really going anywhere. It was kind of a self administered musical therapy, with the intent to try and break some perfectionist traits. I had one rule that any part I wrote, I would have to keep it, and build a song on that basis. Since then I’ve dropped that rule, and started releasing my work. More recently I’ve been performing in the fashion mentioned earlier. Analyze that.”
The ‘Monsoon’ EP
Monsoon is my first release featuring beats. I wanted to start adding new elements to my work. I want Closer to evolve in scope, not be defined by a specific style. I think with this release, it will allow a lot more people to relate to things. You know, you could almost dance to it.
Inspirations Behind The New Sound
“Not isolating myself forever with noisy, expansive ambient drones! Artists that come to mind that have definitely influenced Monsoon would be Lights Out Asia and Jesu. There is a really prominent Balinese influence aesthetically. Black magic, tropical storms, and evil spirits permeate the whole thing.”
Upcoming Plans
“Play live more. I have another two track release in the pipeline with a heavy slow rave sound. Then, album number two sometime next year. I’ll be launching a cassette only release for Monsoon in late November. Follow me on Facebook to stay up to date and say hello!”
Monsoon along with a collection of other tracks is now available via Closer’s Bandcamp page, for more info visit www.closernoise.bandcamp.com.
