It's been almost three years since we first reported on Freebass, the collaboration between iconic Mancunian bassists Peter Hook (ex-Joy Division, ex-New Order), Mani (Primal Scream, ex-Stone Roses) and Andy Rourke (ex-Smiths). Since then we've had numerous updates, but still no new album.
Now, the band's debut EP is finally ready. The six-song collection is called Two Worlds Collide, and it's currently available as a digital download from the Haçienda. For the EP, the band recruited an array of guest vocalists, including Pete Wylie, Charlatans singer Tim Burgess and, uh, renowned drug-smuggler Howard Marks. Also on board are producer/programmer Phil Murphy and drummer Paul Kehoe.
Hook discussed the EP's long gestation period in an interview with BBC 6 Music, explaining, "The problem with it was that when it started, we had a lot of time on our hands - Mani, Rourkey and I. And then as soon as we started it, our respective band leaders, in their wisdom, decided to work. So it's had a lot of false starts."
With their full attention finally devoted to Freebase, the band are now setting their sights on their debut LP. Unlike the guest-heavy EP, the full-length will feature a full-time vocalist, Strays singer Gary Briggs. "We had a sort of indie Pop Idol," said Hook, referring to the popular British audition show. "It took us about a year and a half to find a singer and we came up with Gary Briggs."
The title and tracklist of the LP are still unconfirmed, but Hook posted numerous recording updates and track descriptions over at the band's MySpace. Hook posted a list of 16 possible songs in July of last year, 12 of which are still unreleased (the other four are now available on Two Worlds Collide).
Look for the LP to drop in four weeks' time, with two shows to follow in June. Until then, head over to the Haçienda's website to download Two Worlds Collide for £4 (about $6 Canadian).
Two Worlds Collide:
1. "Intro"
2. "You Don't Know (This About Me)" (ft. Tim Burgess)
3. "The Milky Way Is Our Playground" (ft. Pete Wylie)
4. "Dark Starr" (ft. Howard Marks)
5. "Live Tomorrow You Go Down"
6. "That's Life"
Tour dates:
6/1 London, UK - London 100 Club
6/3 Manchester, UK - Manchester Factory 251
Now, the band's debut EP is finally ready. The six-song collection is called Two Worlds Collide, and it's currently available as a digital download from the Haçienda. For the EP, the band recruited an array of guest vocalists, including Pete Wylie, Charlatans singer Tim Burgess and, uh, renowned drug-smuggler Howard Marks. Also on board are producer/programmer Phil Murphy and drummer Paul Kehoe.
Hook discussed the EP's long gestation period in an interview with BBC 6 Music, explaining, "The problem with it was that when it started, we had a lot of time on our hands - Mani, Rourkey and I. And then as soon as we started it, our respective band leaders, in their wisdom, decided to work. So it's had a lot of false starts."
With their full attention finally devoted to Freebase, the band are now setting their sights on their debut LP. Unlike the guest-heavy EP, the full-length will feature a full-time vocalist, Strays singer Gary Briggs. "We had a sort of indie Pop Idol," said Hook, referring to the popular British audition show. "It took us about a year and a half to find a singer and we came up with Gary Briggs."
The title and tracklist of the LP are still unconfirmed, but Hook posted numerous recording updates and track descriptions over at the band's MySpace. Hook posted a list of 16 possible songs in July of last year, 12 of which are still unreleased (the other four are now available on Two Worlds Collide).
Look for the LP to drop in four weeks' time, with two shows to follow in June. Until then, head over to the Haçienda's website to download Two Worlds Collide for £4 (about $6 Canadian).
Two Worlds Collide:
1. "Intro"
2. "You Don't Know (This About Me)" (ft. Tim Burgess)
3. "The Milky Way Is Our Playground" (ft. Pete Wylie)
4. "Dark Starr" (ft. Howard Marks)
5. "Live Tomorrow You Go Down"
6. "That's Life"
Tour dates:
6/1 London, UK - London 100 Club
6/3 Manchester, UK - Manchester Factory 251
