Damon Albarn debuts new project during Boiler Room performance

by: Josh Stewart May 18, 2020

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There’s no doubt that Boiler Room has been on a bit of a tear as of late, putting together mixes from electronic standouts likes of Four Tet, Peggy Gou, and several sets from Disclosure. Their latest performance, however, brings a refreshing and relaxing twist to the channel’s frequent techno and house jam sessions, hosting the new debut of Damon Albarn‘s The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows, a new solo project named after John Clare’s poem Love and Memory.

The nearer the fountain
More pure the stream flows
And sweeter to fancy
The bud of the rose,
And now thou’rt in heaven
More pure is the birth
Of thoughts that wake of thee
Than aught upon earth.

Read the full poem here.

Albarn is previously known for his work as the lead singer of Blur and the Gorillaz, but his latest project is about as honest a departure from his previous sounds as one could imagine. Taking inspiration from the landscapes of Iceland, The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows invokes the volcanic and glacial atmospheres from the land of the midnight sun, slowly shifting tectonic tones beneath Albarn’s dignified vocals.

See Damon Albarn perform on this tonight, May 18’s Jimmy Kimmel Live with the aforementioned Gorillaz.

Featured image: Aaron Richter