Emerging from the snake pit of Leeds' LS6, the jazz-fuelled group Vipertime are set to release their debut album, Shakedown. The album was recorded by Will Jackson (Cribs / Wiz Khalifa) at Eiger Studios, and will be released on the 28th May via HPBC. The record follows HPBC's 2018 release To Be Here Now, a compilation showcasing the depth and breadth of the Leeds jazz scene.
Following their searing single 'Augury', Shakedown is the band's debut full-length offering sporting 7 tracks. Emerging out of the chaos of Leeds house parties, the record is set to showcase impassioned psychedelic saxophone lines (Ben Powling) rising out of a drill of drumming patterns (Charlie Grimwood & Luke Reddi-WIlliams) and whirling bass playing (Matías Reed).
Vipertime draws from the depths of spiritual jazz and post punk to create improvised music for the dance floor, combining the mesmeric forms and harmonies of 70s Addis with the ferocity of 60s Detroit. After forming in early 2018 as a free improvising group, the band recorded their All Our Heroes Are Dead EP which received radio play on BBC Radio 3, Worldwide FM and BBC Introducing. By the end of the year the band had settled on a permanent line up featuring members of Roller Trio, Mansion of Snakes, WorldService Project, KOG & The Zongo Brigade and Wandering Monster.
The inspiration for Shakedown grew out of the groups passion for the ethio-jazz of Mulatu Asatke, merging that sound from their record collections to incorporate elements of post-punk, afrobeat and free jazz.
Vipertime will be launching Shakedown at Hyde Park Book Club (Leeds) on the 28th of May.
You can pre-order the album here: https://vipertime.bandcamp.com/releases
You can find out more about the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/840938666239384
Ben Powling - tenor saxophone
Matías Reed - bass guitar
Charlie Grimwood - drums & percussion
Luke Reddin-Williams - drums & percussion