Alt-pop trailblazers Kero Kero Bonito release their EP Civilisation II today via AWAL. The band share video for new single '21/04/20'.
Kero Kero Bonito release their latest EP Civilisation II today, out now via AWAL. A sequel to 2019’s EP Civilisation I, in which the band envisioned a historically ambiguous alternate-reality, Civilisation II sees KKB continue to explore instinctive human tendencies across three tracks, all completely devised using vintage hardware.
The release comes alongside a new video for EP highlight ‘21/04/20’, which was conceptualised by artist Dan W. Jacobs, who created the visuals for previous single ‘The Princess and The Clock’.
Taking cues from the likes of ancient tapestries and bas reliefs, the video’s style is a nod to the song’s inspirations. KKB elaborate,
“21/04/20’’ recounts a typical day in the early Covid lockdown in Bromley (South London), complete with a late leftover pasta breakfast, enthusiastic joggers and friendship conducted over video call.
Its direct, documentary style was inspired by narrative art like the Bayeux Tapestry and
Trajan's Column.
Its electronic singer-songwriter feel (like a synthesised version of The Carpenters or Carole King) poignantly matches the lyrics' combination of everyday minutiae and deeper existential concerns.”
Kero Kero Bonito is Sarah Midori Perry (known by her stage name Sarah Bonito), Gus Lobban and Jamie Bulled. Kero Kero Bonito’s ambition is to make music that they enjoy themselves. This goal sets a standard and ensures that their ever-expanding audience is given a good product.
Previous album Time ’n’ Place (2018) topped the Billboard Heatseekers chart in the USA, which saw them embark on extensive global touring, including sold out shows in North America and the UK, and festival appearances including Nile Rodgers' Meltdown, Porter Robinson's Second Sky and Coachella. More recently they’ve appeared on live stream events with A. G. Cook, 100 Gecs, and SPF420.
Much like the maverick artists they relish, from Prince to Paul Weller, they keep everything in house, from production to artwork, ensuring that they have control over their output. They want to be known for being unpredictable, combining rules to create fantastical new outcomes that reshape the pop culture landscape. And through escaping the humdrum of the suburbs and challenging the status quo, they have done exactly that.
Kero Kero Bonito - Civilisation II EP
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