NOUS

stream NOUS' (Chris Bono, Thor Harris, Greg Fox, Shahzad Ismaily, etc) new LP

Composer and Ghost Against Ghost member Christopher Bono is also the founder and leader of NOUS, “a fluctuating group of artists in search of constant musical and multi-media exploration” whose lineup also currently includes Thor Harris (Swans, Shearwater), Greg Fox (Liturgy, Ex Eye, Uniform), Shahzad Ismaily (Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog, Secret Chiefs 3), and Grey McMurray (itsnotyouitsme, Beth Orton), who are all super prolific and super talented musicians in their own right. According to their bio, “each recording, and performance will center around a different focal concept, always seeking alternative ways of creating art,” and their latest project is the new album NOUS I: A Musical Rite, which comes out this Friday (11/16) via Our Silent Canvas (pre-order physical or digital).

The album was produced by Kevin McMahon (who’s worked with Swans, Cult of Youth, Titus Andronicus, and others), and it features guest appearances by cult ambient artist Laraaji + Laraaji collaborator Arji, cellist Clarice Jensen, Grey McMurray’s itsnotyouitsme bandmate Caleb Burhans, violinist Laura Lutzke, flutist Alex Sopp, and Akil Davis and Loud Sol Productions. As you might expect from a group of musicians like this, the album is challenging and all over the place — in a good way. You couldn’t pigeonhole it into one genre if you tried — it goes from eerie David Lynchian soundscapes to Eastern melodies to avant-garde jazz drum freakouts to a million other places, all while remaining strangely accessible. A full stream of the album premieres below. Listen, alongside some recent live videos.

NOUS also have two shows coming up, both in New York: Kingston’s BSP on November 17 with opener Biophony (tickets) and Queens’ Footlight on November 18 with opener Ghost Pony (tickets). NOUS’ lineup at those shows will be group leader Christopher Bono with Kato Hideki (John Zorn, Death Ambient) and Calvin Weston (Ornette Coleman’s Prime Time Band). They’ll also have visuals by Ursula Scherrer.