cesarians: rachel frieda

Call it an "outsider-sound", it's a kind of wrong-rock, or odd-pop, confident and careful, orchestral in parts "this is purposeful modern songwriting at the coalface." Charlie Finke is prophetic and yet naïve. Justine Armatage's emotional orchestral writing unsettles as it piles over the feeling. Formed by Finke (Penthouse) and Armatage (Gretchen-Hoffner), Cesarians have evolved into a compelling seven piece outfit, (piano, violins, cello, guitar, brass, alongside a charismatic tight as f##k rhythm section) a potent live act with years of touring experience including notable support invitations from the widely varied likes of likes of Adam Ant, Lydia Lunch, and Spiritualized. Justine is the committed piano based writer and arranger, with super eclectic influences from Birthday Party to Bowie and Bach to Debussy. Charlie brings a musical ambition of Scott Walker with the realism and suave knowing groove of Ian Dury or The Fall. "We'd as soon as listen (on the tour bus) to Charlie Mingus and Judy Garland as we do to PJ Harvey or Metallica, I think that's completely normal." The writing is as livid in thought as the live experience is performance. Pulled forward by the unknown delirium, at once voodoo and caressing. Where there is certainty let us bring un-certainty. Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is contentment, let us bring disfunction. Clear vinyl.