Haar and Steinman met at Oberlin College in 2003, where they studied electroacoustic composition and studio art respectively, and became collaborators in a smattering of short-lived experimental outfits. After graduation and stints apart in Oakland and NYC, Haar and Steinman regrouped in Berlin where Blondes was born, eventually settling on Brooklyn for home base.
Blondes quickly evolved from a home studio project to a live experience built around a tactile assemblage of synthesizers, sequencers, and drum machines. The Touched EP (Merok, 2010) demonstrates Haar and Steinman’s early interest in an improvisational process that remains embedded in their creative approach, while touching upon their adoration of German composer Manuel Göttsching and his seminal E2-E4 album.
A 12-inch series on RVNG Intl. was initiated in 2011 to document Blondes’ evolution. Each record contains a pair of tracks that explore the concept of duality through a personal lens intensely focused on moving the body. The a-side ofLover / Hater is centered upon a Meredith Monk sample, a primal scream signaling Blondes’ rebirth. Business / Pleasure confronts the struggle of sustaining individuality in a sinister commercial world and stylistically references Blondes’ time spent in the UK. The final 12″, Wine / Water, swings on pendulum between excess and restraint while exhibiting the duo’s most melodic and mature work thus far.
Available as limited edition vinyl pressings, these six tracks are collected together in album form along with two new offerings, Gold and Amber. Almost entirely improvised and recorded in single takes, Gold and Amber are inspired by complexity and purity, which manifests in the manic energy and bliss of the parallel tracks.
Blondes journey of musical discovery is reflected in a companion disc featuring eleven remixes by friends, peers, and heroes including JD Twitch of Optimo, Dungeon Acid, SFV Acid, John Roberts, Andy Stott, TeengirlFantasy, Bicep, Traxx, Laurel Halo, and Rene Hell.
Blondes will be released February 7, 2012 as a 2xCD and digital format. More info soon on a European February tour, SXSW dates, and a US tour in April.
Praise for Blondes:
“Epic, spaced-out techno, with blessed-out synth melodies, serotonin-sapping breaks, and four-on-the-floor beats.”- Spin
“(Hater) builds up rhythmic momentum in a simultaneously suspenseful and trippy way, before climaxing in some sci-fi sky-kissing.” – Resident Advisor, 4/5
“Drawn out psychedelic soundscapes, nods to classic rave and Balearic house, and undeniably epic scope.” -XLR8R, 8.5/10
“A thrilling slice of modern electronic music – one of this year’s most enduring releases.” – Juno Plus
“Music that straddles the border between minimalism, house, and electronic beats, and with the band bouncing between playing DIY shows in Brooklyn and DJing penthouse parties.” – Interview Magazine
