Ishmael Ensemble Unveils ‘Butterflies’ – A Delicate Prelude to Their New Album “Rituals”

Ishmael Ensemble, the acclaimed Bristol collective, has released ‘Butterflies’ as the lead track from their highly anticipated new album, Rituals, which is now available through Severn Songs. This poignant piece was born out of an artist residency in Mexico and represents a significant evolution in the group’s sound after a rigorous two-year touring schedule.

In contrast to the heavier electronic vibes that the ensemble explored during live performances, ‘Butterflies’ offers a more intimate experience. The song emerged one evening when band leader and producer Pete Cunningham was experimenting with drums in the quiet of the night. Holysseus Fly joined him on the piano, and the music flowed naturally, encapsulating the essence of their artistic journey. Cunningham describes it as a “perfect bookend to the album,” reflecting both their achievements and the evolution of their sound.

Since their formation in 2017, Ishmael Ensemble has garnered critical acclaim, particularly with their debut LP, A State Of Flow, which was recognized as Contemporary Album Of The Month by The Guardian. However, it was their 2021 release, Visions of Light, that catapulted them to greater fame, receiving rave reviews from The Observer and Mojo, and even being hailed as Huey Morgan’s Album Of The Year on BBC 6 Music. Their success has led to extensive touring, both in the UK and internationally, including sold-out shows in Mexico and the US.

With a growing reputation and an expanding fan base, Ishmael Ensemble has been able to take their cinematic sound to larger stages, from Glastonbury’s West Holts stage to Brixton Academy. This newfound energy has been a driving force behind the creation of Rituals, with Cunningham aiming to capture the lush soundscapes and intricate electronic layers that have become synonymous with their live performances.

Ishmael Ensemble is currently on tour across the UK and Ireland, with upcoming dates including:

• 02/10 – Concorde 2, Brighton
• 03/10 – Village Underground, London
• 04/10 – NAC, Norwich
• 05/10 – Goods Shed, Stroud
• 10/10 – Ulster Social Club, Belfast
• 11/10 – The Grand Social, Dublin
• 16/10 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
• 17/10 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
• 18/10 – Rum Shack, Glasgow
• 19/10 – Gorilla, Manchester
• 24/10 – SWX, Bristol
• 07/11 – Botanique, Brussels
• 09/11 – Bird, Rotterdam
• 14/11 – Hydrozagadka, Warsaw
• 15/11 – Jazzclub Tonne, Dresden
• 16/11 – Badehaus, Berlin
• 17/11 – Sala Villanos, Madrid

To delve deeper into the sound and vision of Rituals, be sure to check out the album and explore more about Ishmael Ensemble‘s journey here.

Stream / Download: https://lnk.to/IE-Rituals