Old Powers

Old Powers’ is Beam Weapons' second album, and is rooted in two things. The first is a Boosey and Hawkes library record from 1970 which has the most incredible titles, but is represented by not particularly interesting music. We took some of the titles and decided to create our own versions. Secondly, it builds upon our mission to make as little music as possible instead concentrating on creaks, clicks, buzzes, bangs, beeps and, most importantly, atonal hums. We are not always successful in this and, at times, bits of melody creep in. For that, we can only apologise. We are supported in our endeavours this time around by David ‘Dolly Dolly’ Yates, who lends his velvety voice to four of the album’s ten tracks. Dolly wants to make it clear that he only speaks the lines, he didn’t write them. In short, it’s not his fault. Thanks also to our man in Koln, Tom Ashforth, who has extraordinary ears (as well as excellent hearing) and has made the dingy, oversaturated mess that we presented him with sound almost commercial. Finally, to Mat, thanks again for the opportunity.