There’s beauty in collaboration. British multi-instrumentalist and composer Tom Ashbrook has found just that with the release of his collaborative project titled ko:da. His new record sees him team-up with Faroese Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Greta Svabo Bech, Berlin-based award-winning producer Robot Koch and Hungarian filmmaker Marcell Lobenwein. The cinematic record features re-works of his classic 2016 single ‘Klass’ as well as the release of two gorgeous original songs – ‘ko:da’ and ‘tu:orbit’.
ko:da opens with ‘MISSUXO’. A cinematic short film that sees a couple at a turbulent stage of their relationship. Making their way to Marseille, the film perfectly captures their raw and honest moments while being sonically accompanied by Ashbrook’s soundtrack edit of ‘Klass’. The power of a visual medium is evident here. “All my favorite movies have amazing soundtracks, so music and film are really important to me when thinking up scenes, or editing. The parts in Hungary were shot before I had ever heard ‘Klass’, and the parts in France were shot after, so I think those scenes were very informed by the track.” Marcell further adds that `As soon as I heard ‘Klass’ I could see how the material we shot could fall into place to create the feeling of Laura and Martin’s relationship.” Tom delved further stating that “I hope that the music subtly creates an underlying mood that captures the inner thoughts of the two main characters and their movements together in life, the delicacy of a relationship and how it travels through the emotions. I hope people get brought into this world and want to see how it pans out.” The other re-works of ‘Klass’ come in the form of Robot Koch’s enchanting and ethereal remix. Taking it a step further, Robot’s addition of open synth chords takes the single to a spacey and ethereal dimension.
A highlight of the record comes from Greta Svabo Bech’s ‘tu:orbit’. Led by Greta’s honest and raw vocal performance the track oozes emotion, elevated further by Ashbrook’s dark backdrop of moving synths and delicate piano melodies. The record’s outro ‘ko:da’ sees Ashbrook on his own, fingers on keys. Each note carries its own weight and emotion. Ashbrook has a way of crafting these precious sonic moments that take listeners to another state of mind for a brief moment or in this case for 2:34 minutes. A perfect way to conclude this record.
