Marconi Union

The newly re-launched All Saints Records is set to release the sophomore effort Distance from the newly signed band Marconi Union on March 14th in North America. Marconi Union are two musicians from Manchester who have been making music for over 20 years, drawing comparisons with artists such as Sigur Ros, Boards of Canada, Neu and Talk Talk. Their sound on Distance has been memorably described as "Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here remixed by Basic Channel" and is a mix of hypnotic, lush electronica and pulsing rhythms, interwoven with strings, pianos and occasional guitars.

Distance revolves around the themes of City Living and Travel, its seven tracks superbly evoke images of airport lounges, hotel lobbies and midnight drives through rain soaked streets. It is a "listening" album, which reveals new levels every time it is played, evolving from a multi-layered soundscape, into a compelling musical experience. Musical themes are reworked and regularly reappear throughout the album in different forms, effectively adding to the feel of a complete work divided into seven sections.

The album's beautiful packaging, and stunning design work by well-known British artist and designer, Nick Roberts has also drawn attention, having been featured in several publications including The Architectural Review.

Initial reaction to the album, has been amazing, with Distance already being hailed in some quarters as an "ambient classic."

Marconi Union is the name of the enigmatic Manchester, England, duo signed in 2005 to All Saints Records and appointed by Brian Eno to supervise the remastering of his back catalog. In 2003, their self-produced debut album, Under Wire and Searchlights, was issued on Ochre Records, and was followed with the All Saints release Distance, which came out in Europe in October 2005, and then in the U.S. in February of the next year. ~ Marisa Brown, All Music Guide