Hercules & Love Affair

In 2008, the killer song »Blind« catapulted Andy Butler and his band project Hercules & Love Affair to the top of the music world and onto dance floors worldwide. The disco smash was a collaboration with singer Anohni, who had made it to world stardom with her band Antony and the Johnsons and heartbreaking chamber pop (and is closely associated with Little Annie). Butler then moved from New York to Europe and further developed his experimental sound of Chicago house, disco and post-rock on three albums with various guest singers from Sharon Van Etten to John Grant. Now follows with the album »In Amber« a return to the roots and at the same time a new definition of Hercules & Love Affair, once named after the mythical love affair between Hercules and the king’s son Hylas. Anohni is heard again on several songs – and Andy Butler himself, whose velvety, sonorous voice peers into abysses of death, decay and war. Despite all the gloom, the euphoria of disco comes through again and again, yet expanded by a thundering gothic sound reminiscent of post-punk predecessors like Siouxsie and the Banshees. Their drummer (and Paul Wallfisch collaborator) Budgie not only recorded »In Amber«, but is also – along with the tremendous blues/folk/jazz singer Krystle Warren – part of Butler’s 6-piece live band: the best launching rocket in the club for the festival opening!