Until The Ribbon Breaks is the artistic vehicle for rising producer/singer/songwriter/remixer Pete Lawrie Winfield (pictured above). Hailing from Cardiff, Wales, his glorious debut single “Pressure” occupies the similarly sparse terrain pioneered by the likes of James Blake, only Winfield’s methodology is swathed in a gritty darkness inspired by brooding Bristol ’90s acts like Portishead to pop stars like Usher. Now fronting a kick-ass three-piece band who’ve toured North America supporting Lorde, Phantogram and Delorean, UTRB, who just issued a wicked video for “Goldfish,” will present their debut album due out on August 26. Before the trio kick off a weekly residency in L.A., we asked Winfield and James Wolujewicz to share their five songs of the moment on SoundCloud.
Until The Ribbon Breaks’ residency at the Bootleg Theatre in Los Angeles runs every Monday from June 2 to June 30.
1. A Winged Victory For The Sullen – “Atomos VII”
James: Demonstrating an ability to portray an immense sense of emotion and form, while using a minimal palette of carefully interwoven textures and sonorities, this is a beautiful combination of long and short sighing string swells over a melange of synthesizer pads which creates a beautiful sense of journey. I haven’t seen the intended visual element, but I can imagine this score for “Atomos” works as a perfect accompaniment to Wayne McGregor’s long form dance piece.
2. Luke Abbott – “Modern Driveway” (Jon Hopkins Piano Version)
James: Luke Abbott regularly ventures deep into innovative remixing, with lush results. Here, Jon Hopkins creates a beautiful piano and synth version of his own track. He carefully maintains the progressive nature of the original by using delicately ornamented piano and synths. Ambient music at its best. Eno would be proud.
3. Hoodlem – “Old Friend”
Pete: Some music is to fall in love to. Some is for staring out of a train window. Daydreaming. Some is for dimming the lights with. Occasionally a piece of music fits the full brief. The soul in the guitar chops, the unwillingness to ever slide into an easy groove. The skittering impatience. Joyous.
4. Timber Timbre – “Hot Dreams”
Pete: The flickering neon sign. The heartache. The mood reminds me of a Coen brothers film. Small town dreaming. “I want to be a champion in your eyes.” This could exist in any time. Any time at least that lonely souls sit in bars alone. Gorgeous, yearning, soulful piece of music. When the saxophone comes in, it’s lift off.
5. Run The Jewels – “Job Well Done”
Pete: Now what kind of narcissistic frontman, would I be, if A) I didn’t refer to myself as the frontman and B) didn’t include myself in some form on this list. Friends, collaborators and all-around beasts, Run The Jewels released the rap album of the year last year and I was lucky enough to be a part of it. Look out for more of us and them in the future. That’s all I’m saying for now.