Adored by Björk, Massive Attack and Elton John, the cult avant-popsters are back with an album that takes in everything from Greek church bells to Ukraine. We meet the Barnett twins among the Southend amusement arcadesJack and George Barnett arrange to meet me at the Hope Hotel, an 18th-century pub in their native Southend. With Talking Heads on the jukebox and pints already flowing at midday, it feels like we’ve stepped back into the good-time Essex seaside town of old. The twins arrive, Jack in a dark grey tweed and black fleece, George in knitwear and leather jacket. They suggest going outside so we don’t have to shout over 1980s hits, but if anything the sonic interference of Southend – all amusement arcades and revving motors – is worse.It turns out this chimes with the creation of Crooked Wing, the fifth album from their band These New Puritans. Jack was living on an industrial estate in Tottenham, London, between factories and evangelical churches. “I think some of the loudne...
These New Puritans, adored by artists like Björk and Elton John, are releasing their fifth album, "Crooked Wing," after a six-year gap. The album incorporates diverse influences, including Greek church bells, a Brazilian circus aerialist, and reflections on the Ukraine war. It explores themes similar to their acclaimed 2013 album, "Field of Reeds," blending experimental sounds and orchestral arrangements. The band, now consisting of the Barnett brothers, Jack and George, create music despite financial challenges and expand their lineup for each album. "Crooked Wing" was finished before securing a label and was eventually signed by Domino Records.
