Graham Costello's STRATA Second Lives 180g LP

Hugh Padgham-produced albums have sold well over 100 million copies worldwide, and gathered over 100 billion streams on digital platforms to date. Despite these stratospheric stats, the multi Grammy award-winning producer has not been involved in any new material for well over a decade, and it would always take something ultra-special to pique Hugh's attention enough to get him back into the studio. This new album by drummer/composer Graham Costello, co-produced by Padgham and out on Gearbox Records, is most definitely that.

Veering away from solid Jazz and into minimalism, electronics and post rock, Costello builds triumphantly on the foundation he laid down on Obelisk, his debut 2019 release which was nominated for the Scottish Album of the Year Award. It garnered much attention from the UK press and further, receiving 5-stars from The Scotsman and strong accolades from the likes of Clash Magazine, who called it "startling, groundbreaking...it explodes definitions to seize fresh space."

Second Lives is texturally Daedalian and more stylistically experimental than ever before. From the semi-free and frenetic "Legion", to the multi-faceted Reichian workout "Impetu", right through to the gentle yet pensive "Circularity", the album is filled with high-energy polyrhythms, improvisation and borderless musical exploration.

Speaking on this more personal direction, Graham says "my evolution as a person aligns with my evolution as a musician." The inspiration and wider themes of Second Lives sit with thoughts of identity, heritage, and Stoicism, as well as the theme of overcoming inner challenges - what you face and the process you go through to get to the other side.

Costello formed STRATA in 2016 - an ensemble which brings together stylistic elements of minimalism, jazz and noise-rock whilst channelling a strong DIY ethic. The ensemble is made up of some of Scotland's most exciting musical proponents. The band features: pianist Fergus McCreadie, whose critically acclaimed new solo album just came out via Edition Records; guitarist Joe Williamson, who was named Young Scottish Jazz Musician Of The Year in 2018 and leads hard-hitting 5-piece Animal Society; rising Trombonist Liam Shortall, who also leads jazz collective corto.alto; renowned bassist Mark Hendry and rising saxophonist Harry Weir who also leads AKU!.

Recorded and mixed directly to analogue tape. Mastered using Decca valve equalization and Telefunken U73b compression and limiting. Cut on a Haeco Scully lathe with Westrex RA1700 series amps, Westrex 3DIIA cutting head.

unrelenting waves of cinematic imagery accrue an intensity that never seems to level off, even after the last note has faded.

Vibrant, caustic, fascinating

Dedicated, artful... fantastic