AK/DK, the electrifying synth and drum duo, has established a distinct presence in the music scene with their thrilling combination of intense rhythms and powerful bass lines. Comprising Ed Chivers and Gee Sowerby, AK/DK emerged with a sound that fuses the raw energy of punk with the driving beats of electronic music, drawing inspiration from legendary acts like LCD Soundsystem, The Units, and The Prodigy. Their live performances are truly captivating, captivating audiences throughout the UK, Europe, and South America with their powerful live-looping post-punk-disco shows.
The duo’s journey began with a shared enthusiasm for improvisation and a passion for analogue synthesizers, leading to a series of well-received releases that have earned them critical acclaim and a loyal following. Fans of Devo and Kraftwerk will appreciate AK/DK’s music, which exemplifies the strength of DIY creativity, marked by spontaneous, high-energy performances and complex, layered compositions.
Their debut album, ‘Synths + Drums + Noise + Space’, released in 2014, made a striking impact, highlighting their skill in blending chaotic energy with melodic elements, which garnered widespread acclaim. Subsequent albums, ‘Patterns/Harmonics’ and ‘Shared Particles’, continued to challenge musical boundaries, with tracks frequently featured on BBC6 Music and achieving the honor of ‘Album of The Day’.
AK/DK’s live shows are legendary, with performances at festivals like End of The Road, Blue Dot, and Green Man solidifying their status as one of the most exhilarating acts around. Their stage setup resembles a chaotic orchestra of wires, synthesizers, and drums, all executed with a level of precision that belies the apparent disorder.
The upcoming fourth album, ‘Strange Loops’ (set for release in Autumn 2024), marks a new phase in the duo’s artistic evolution. This album introduces guest vocalists for the first time, adding a fresh layer to their already intricate soundscape. Inspired by iconic works such as Talking Heads’ ‘Remain In Light’, David Bowie’s ‘Low’, and Kate Bush’s ‘Hounds Of Love’, ‘Strange Loops’ is a conceptual work divided into two halves: the A side features infectious, high-energy tracks, while the B side delves into more experimental and ambient sounds.
The limited Dinked edition of their previous album, ‘Shared Particles’, sold out prior to its release and secured a top ten spot on the Indie Store Vinyl chart, showcasing the band’s lasting appeal and the excitement surrounding their new project. ‘Strange Loops’ aims to surprise and enchant listeners, reaffirming AK/DK’s reputation as innovative pioneers in the alternative music landscape.
On July 26th, AK/DK released their new single titled ‘Nobody Shouts’, the first preview from the upcoming LP. The track features collaboration with the incisive Manchester performance poet Thick Richard, marking a bold new direction for the Brighton-based duo. ‘Nobody Shouts’ merges powerful bass, relentless drums, and sharp vocals, delivering a compelling commentary on contemporary apathy. Check it out HERE.
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