Elusive London trio Ebbb release their highly-anticipated debut EP, All At Once, out today on Ninja Tune. The project has earned a truly rapturous reception, described as “beautiful, boundary-less and bohemian” (Wonderland); “a fascinating puzzle of sound” (Clash); and “an idiosyncratic yet spell-binding blend of choric melody and severe rave ecstasy” (So Young Magazine). The band also recently featured on BBC Radio 6 Music‘s Round Table panel review show and blew the competition away (including James Blake) with an average score of 9/10.
Without releasing a single song, the band – comprised of producer Lev Ceylan, vocalist Will Rowland and drummer Scott MacDonald – had built a storied mythology on London’s underground live circuit which spawned the likes of Squid and black midi. Commanding an atmosphere at gigs that So Young Magazine described as “an almost religious experience“, the melding of Ceylan’s engulfing and enthralling production and beats, with Rowland’s endlessly capable vocals matched with MacDonald’s added stomp, quickly resulted in the band being one of 2023’s word-of-mouth sensations.
“I like that it can’t be pigeonholed,” says Lev Ceylan. “We really do love plot twists – where it just explodes into something completely different.”
Opening track ‘Himmel’ is a song that builds from an ethereal soundscape before a pneumatic, drill-like beat enters; Rowland’s voice glides with grace over the grinding rhythm. “That song encapsulates the two sides of the sound we have quite well,” says Rowland. “Having the more ethereal, dreamy vocals but with that undercurrent of the low rumblings. It’s kind of like heaven and hell.” These layered elements are a meta depiction of Ebbb’s singular songwriting process in real time. ‘Swarm’ unfolds in an almost hypnotic groove with Rowland’s voice carrying the track with poise, before it once again takes on an unpredictable journey, resulting in a joyous burst of experimental pop music.
1. Himmel
2. Answered
3. Swarm
4. Torn
5. Seamlessly
Photo credit – Vasilisa Skasca