Reformed Faction is a new band featuring Robin Storey and Mark Spybey.
Robin Storey was born in 1955 in Cumbria, England. While studying fine arts at Sunderland University, he began pursuing a long-held interest in sound manipulation by taking classes in electronic and experimental composition,
additionally joining with friends to perform the works of Karlheinz Stockhausen (a key influence, as were the Krautrock bands of the early 1970s). In 1979 Storey formed the pioneering industrial group :zoviet*france:, remaining a member until 1992: The same year Storey issued the first Rapoon album, Dream Circle, its entrancing fusion of Indian ragas, African rhythms and experimental textures anticipating the evocative soundscapes of the many releases to follow. Also a noted visual artist and animator, Storey's work has been exhibited throughout the world and is in the collections of many major galleries.
Storey has collaborated widely and has produced albums with
artists including Joachim Roedelius (Cluster, Harmonia) Nigel Ayers (Nocturnal Emissions) Randy Grief and Russian Folk singer Tatyana Stepchenko aka.Toloka. He has also collaborated in live work with numerous other musicians including Damo Suzuki (Can).
As well as producing his own abstract animated films he has also produced work for soundtracks for Independent films including Randy Grief's award winning film “the Three Trials” and award winning film by NY independent artist Nadine Shamounki with her film “Effaced”.Storey has also produced two best-selling sound loop libraries for Sony Media and has had his work used for TV advertising.
Mark Spybey was born in North Yorkshire, England in 1961. After leaving :zoviet*france: he moved to Canada and worked under the names Dead Voices on Air and Propeller. He collaborated widely, toured and was vocalist of the acclaimed band Download (ex-Skinny Puppy). He was also a member of Sofortkontakt!, led by the late Michael Karoli of Can, appearing at Can’s 30th anniversary shows.
Spybey has worked with a variety of artists who inspired his music, including Damo Suzuki of Can, Faust, Michael Rother (Neu!, Harmonia and Kraftwerk), cEvin Key (Skinny Puppy,Download), Mick Harris (Scorn, Napalm Death), James Plotkin, Not Breathing, Jarboe (Swans), Chris Connelly (Ministry, Fini Tribe), Pigface, Martin Atkins (PIL, Killing Joke), Dieter Moebius (Cluster and Harmonia), Simon Fisher-Turner and Genesis.P.Orridge (Throbbing Gristle/Psychic TV). He returned to the U.K in 2000.
He is currently a member of a number of other bands: Beehatch with Phil Western of Download, Pata-Particles with London based free improvisor Richard Sanderson and Steve Dinsdale (Radio Massacre International)and MzMz LaLaLala with Simon Fisher-Turner. He has worked with a variety of labels including Kranky, Lens, Nettwerk, Invisible and Soleilmoon.
Reformed Faction feel drawn to create music that honours the process of spontaneous composition, favoured by Can. Using live improvisations as a basis for their music, Reformed Faction cut and paste, in the grand tradition of studio pioneers such as Holger Czukay of Can to create compositions. At the heart of the sound is the use of unconventional sound sources; children’s musical toys, ethnic instruments, homemade gadgets and sound processors. Bagpipe chanters, flutes, stringed instruments, percussive instruments and the effected tones of the human voice are all utilised. Over reliance on the detached and distant excesses of technology creates stagnant and purposeless music. This is visual music; made by the human hand, drawn by breath.
Robin Storey and Mark Spybey are pioneers. Their contribution to the development of the ambient music genre is well noted. The band released their debut cd, “Vota,” on Klanggalerie Records in May of 2006. Their second album, “The War Against…” was released on Soleilmoon Records in September of 2007. They have played live in both Europe and North America. Their most recent release was a lavishly packaged triple album, entitled “I am the source of light, I am not a mirror,” for Soleilmoon Records in 2009. Their new album, “Until,” will be released by the Italian label Greytone in January of 2010. They also have two vinyl albums coming out soon on Russia’s Brudenia Records and Tourettes Records from Houston, Texas. In the fall of 2010, Soleilmoon will also be releasing a new album and they will also be re-releasing both “The War Against,” and “I am the source of light, I am not a mirror.”
Andy Eardley, who was also a member of :zoviet*france: was part of Reformed Faction until July of 2006. He has now left the project.
For booking details, press information etc.
Contact: beehatched@hotmail.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/reformedfaction
Reformed Faction from thekossak on Vimeo.
THKS!THKS!THKS!4 inVite...the tracks are simply an audio orgy..and with Robin Storey...wow!!!(my fav)Please keep me posted on whateva.. Wishing you BOTH all the best...
Is this Robin or Mark? Thanks for making your presence known! I will be sure to put you in my top friends! Just to let you know, I'm on the edge of my seat for the next Reformed Faction release!!!
