Former Kasabian guitarist and founder member Chris Karloff will return to the music fold in September with his new band Black Onassis.
Karloff relocated to New York City after his departure from the Leicester group in 2006, and has joined forces with local musician Nick Forde on the new project which also features a number of guest vocalists.
“Electronic music to me is surprisingly soulful, there is a warmth that comes from the simplicity of sounds, something inconspicuously expressive and emotional,” Karloff has said, reflecting on the sound of his latest venture.
“Growing up it was everywhere. Artists like Vangelis, Kraftwerk, The Prodigy and Tangerine Dream were massive influences on the songs I wrote with Kasabian, and even more so now. But rock music has always played a massive role as well, and I’m inspired by artists like Jimi Hendrix, Primal Scream and Nirvana. I try to fuse these two worlds to create the kind of music I want to listen to.”
Liela Moss of The Duke Spirit, Morgan Kibby of M83, Ben Gautrey of the Cooper Temple Clause and Steven Young of The Black Marquee all offer lead vocals to Black Onassis’ debut album ‘Desensitized‘, which is due for release on September 23rd.
“Working with multiple singers makes writing every track a unique experience, a new musical adventure,” Chris continues. “A voice can change the whole dynamic of a song, and it’s really freeing and feels limitless to write without being constrained by the vocal abilities or stylings of one person.”