The Secret Screens (Featuring SIR-VERE)
Celebrating the Legacy of Spatts and the Rebirth of "The Secret Screens" through a Series of Dynamic EPs and Albums
ABOUT THE project
BIG NEWS - The Secret Screens’ brand new material is on its way! The music scene is set to experience the genius of The Secret Screens with a compelling series of releases, now reimagined as The Secret Screens (Featuring SIR-VERE). This revival honours the late Spatts who passed just before the New Year, also known as Ian Allen, a visionary producer whose eclectic musical influence spanned hip-hop, acid house, and breakbeat, creating a unique genre-crossing sound.
Gary Morland, Stevie Vega, Craig Hammond, Spatts (Ian Allen)
The Secret Screens is comprised of the late Spatts, the mastermind behind drum programming, synths, and the unwavering determinism that defines the group’s sound; Gary Morland, a multi-instrumentalist on guitar, bass guitar, and synths; Craig Hammond, who brings the vocals and lyrical genius; and Stevie Vega, synthesizer expert and the group’s architectural sound designer.
The project is further enriched by numerous guest artists, contributing a diverse blend of musical talents. Adding a visual dimension to the auditory experience, the artwork for My Dark Places EP, Mind Bomb EP, and Brain Drain EP was crafted by Chris Howard, while Jon Chase provided the artistic interpretations for Relics Part 1 & 2, encapsulating the essence of each release with striking visual flair.
This May, fans old and new can look forward to a cascade of releases, each encapsulating a different facet of this innovative project:
May 10th: My Dark Places EP
May 14th: Mind Bomb EP
May 18th: Brain Drain EP
May 24th: Relics Part 1 Album and Relics Part 2 (Extended) Album
Originally released under the moniker The Secret Screens, these works have been given new life, reflecting the project’s history and signature style. Each stands as a tribute to Spatts’ legacy and is a testament to the enduring power of blending musical genres and influences.
“In tribute, love, and respect to my songwriting partner, I’ve put together the complete works of all things ‘Relics’-related. Spatts loved working on this concept-inspired album and loved the freedom to throw all styles into the genre crossover sound we wanted to achieve. It was an interesting time for all of us but Spatts was fighting his demons and he had many rehab visits to try to control his addictions. He’d made a huge mark in the industry starting with the top-selling underground hardcore hip-hop hit ‘Baptised by Dub’ with The Criminal Minds.”
Celebrating the Legacy of Spatts and the Rebirth of "The Secret Screens" through a Series of Dynamic EPs and Albums
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Celebrating the Legacy of Spatts and the Rebirth of "The Secret Screens" through a Series of Dynamic EPs and Albums 〰️
FEATURED RELEASEs
My Dark Places EP launches the series on May 10th, introducing a mesmerising blend of dark electronic tones and dynamic rap verses. This seven-track EP showcases an eclectic mix of creative elements, from the stylistic vocals and hypnotic instrumental panning of "Ian the Good Man" and "Spatts the Scoundrel" to the rhythmic percussion, powerful lyricism, and eclectic vibe of the title track "My Dark Places."
Mind Bomb EP debuts on May 14th, delivering a compelling mix of punky electronics and captivating rhythms across its seven tracks. Highlights include the immersive soundscape and pulsating beat of "Mind Bomb," complemented by the melodic and expressive vocals of "New Skin," ensuring a captivating auditory experience for its listeners.
Brain Drain EP follows on May 18th, featuring tracks that explore the complex interplay between electronic syncopation and lyrical depth. Notable tracks like "Brain Drain" offer gritty instrumentation and distorted vocals, while "Drum Lord" captivates with its dark tone and hypnotic beats.
The series reaches its peak with the release of Relics Part 1 Album and its extended counterpart, Relics Part 2 (Extended) Album on May 24th. These albums provide a comprehensive look into the project’s origins, featuring an expansive 46-track lineup that showcases the versatility and breadth of Spatts’ production prowess. Some notable tracks include "Death Star Burning," with its eclectic synths and immersive vibe, "The Arm of Jah" (featuring Dougie Rueben) with its creative compositional arrangements, "No Tongues (Crazy Legs)" with its ethereal sound and dynamic panning, and "Thousand Years," noted for its catchy melody and rhythmic vibe.
With well-balanced production, memorable instrumentation, and impressive vocal performances, this series promises to be a must-listen for fans of dynamic and inventive music. Be sure to follow SIR-VERE on social media for the latest updates on releases and performances!
