The forthcoming Bauhaus Staircase was born from the impetus to kickstart new explorations during lockdown when, as Andy McCluskey admits: "I rediscovered the creative power of total boredom."
Predominantly written, recorded, and mixed by both McCluskey and Paul Humphreys (who has recently become a second-time father), they had help from David Watts, the rock producer who helmed Sheffield band The Reytons’ recent No 1 album and mixed two tracks on the new OMD record.
OMD have shared an animated video for the album's title track and first single, "Bauhaus Staircase," which serves as a nod both to Andy McCluskey’s love of the Bauhaus era and the power of protest art.
As McCluskey wrote on the single itself:
"I am a huge lover of visual arts, especially mid 20th century movements. I reference them often in my titles and lyrics. The song 'Bauhaus Staircase' is a metaphor for strength and artist passion in the face of criticism and adversity. The title is derived from an Oscar Schlemmer painting. He taught at Bauhaus, and created the amazing futuristic costumes for The Triadic Ballet (referenced in the song).
When times are hard there is a tendency for Governments to look at cutting funding for creativity, just at the moment when the arts are most needed to nourish our souls. Thus, it seems appropriate that the song and its eponymous album were created during Covid Lockdown.
Sonically, the track attacks you instantly with rasping analogue synths, soaring electronic melodies, and pounding 808 drums. And the energy just keeps ramping up for four minutes."
As McCluskey wrote on the single itself:
"I am a huge lover of visual arts, especially mid 20th century movements. I reference them often in my titles and lyrics. The song 'Bauhaus Staircase' is a metaphor for strength and artist passion in the face of criticism and adversity. The title is derived from an Oscar Schlemmer painting. He taught at Bauhaus, and created the amazing futuristic costumes for The Triadic Ballet (referenced in the song).
When times are hard there is a tendency for Governments to look at cutting funding for creativity, just at the moment when the arts are most needed to nourish our souls. Thus, it seems appropriate that the song and its eponymous album were created during Covid Lockdown.
Sonically, the track attacks you instantly with rasping analogue synths, soaring electronic melodies, and pounding 808 drums. And the energy just keeps ramping up for four minutes."
Says Andy, "I’m very happy with what we’ve done on this record," McCluskey summarizes. "I’m comfortable if this is OMD’s last statement."
OMD will perform alongside New Order, Tears for Fears, Soft Cell, The B-52s, DEVO, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Psychedelic Furs, and more at 2023's Darker Waves Festival, taking place Saturday, November 18 in Huntington Beach, CA. Tickets and more information can be found HERE.
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LISTEN/WATCH & SHARE: OMD - "Bauhaus Staircase"
Stream / YouTube
Track listing:
01. Bauhaus Staircase
02. Anthropocene
03. Look At You Now
04. G.E.M.
05. Where We Started
06. Veruschka
07. Slow Train
08. Don't Go
09. Kleptocracy
10. Aphrodite's Favorite Child
11. Evolution of Species
12. Healing
02. Anthropocene
03. Look At You Now
04. G.E.M.
05. Where We Started
06. Veruschka
07. Slow Train
08. Don't Go
09. Kleptocracy
10. Aphrodite's Favorite Child
11. Evolution of Species
12. Healing
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