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Hello Friends and Fans of The Observatory,

DARK FOLKE, our fourth album, is officially out. Recorded and mixed earlier this year in Bergen Norway, we worked once again with our friend and respected producer Jørgen Træen who has also worked with some of our personal favourites like Ultralyd, Motorpsycho and Jaga Jazzist.



Our time at Duper was filled with lots of ideas, plenty of jokin'around, some tough moments, and many warm memories. Opposite to that but equally as intense was the Bergen weather, wet and freezin'. We think the album reflects this extremity.

What came next was unexpected. We hooked up with metal/hardcore/underground illustrator and designer Justin Bartlett aka Vberkvlt. Justin is a detail-obsessed, maniacally passionate artist, also a diehard Depeche Mode fan. He is the man behind the wicked art of SUNN O))), Moss, Aura Noir and more. Check out his work at http://www.vberkvlt.com/ - www.vberkvlt.com

The DARK FOLKE album packaging is a hardbound black book, designed and drawn by Justin Bartlett. Printed on paper constituted from recovered waste and virgin pulp from good sustainable forestry, the album heralds a new shape in the band's discography of albums. It is now not only oversized but also square. We have good reason. For vinyl lovers, a double gatefold LP is in the works for release later this year.

It's hard to describe one's own work. The math prog rock of our 3rd album A far cry from here has morphed into a fluid mystical beast. Most songs have no drums. But there is rhythm. Only the type of rhythm associated with an invisible pulse. An implied rhythm. Five folks sitting around a fire. A metaphorical fire. Chanting for the rain to come.

We will be doing a series of SIX shows called HEXA, all at small intimate venues. Our first show HEXA I will be at The Hall, The Arts House on 19 July. Details attached.

Justin Bartlett has also designed a special collection of THREE tshirts which will be on sale at shows only. These are a very limited run of only 100 pieces per design.

Ask for DARK FOLKE at all good music stores.

Evan Tan, our keyboardist/electronician, has himself taken up the pen and drawn some pretty strange things for our new website. Refer to it for latest news, gig details and ticketing information. Also look for us on Facebook, we will be posting updates regularly to all subscribed fans.

Official website http://www.theobservatory.com.sg/ - www.theobservatory.com.sg
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/theobservatory - www.facebook.com/theobservatory
Email mailto:[email protected] - [email protected]
Myspace http://www.myspace.com/theobservatoryband - www.myspace.com/theobservatoryband

Best,
The Observatory