Psapp’s Galia Durant and Carim Clasmann seem to enjoy being contrary. Their debut album, “Tiger, My Friend” is stuffed full of memorable, friendly tunes with a nod to traditional songwriting, but all the rough edges have been left on and celebrated. This is music where incongruous ideas happily mingle - unashamed choruses proudly sit atop intricate, warm electronics, plucked violins, broken toy keyboards, meowing cats, mechanical chickens and microphones left in the rain. The oddest of sounds and the hundreds of fragmented melodies all jostle for space.
Psapp´s lovelorn tunes tell tales of everyday insecurities with a refreshing honesty - Carim is a ridiculously talented producer, his judgment is impeccable and his technique utterly unique, perfectly complementing Galia´s waywardness. With a production CV encompassing Einstürtzende Neubauten, Natacha Atlas, and Susheela Raman, Carim makes a living producing, noise-making and mastering for other likeminded musicians. When they need a reliable pair of ears they go to The Fishtank Studio.
As well as keyboard, violin and vocal duties, Galia’s illustrations adorn the album’s artwork and their first foray into animation (see the video for “About Fun” here).
After a string of successful US synchs including landing the theme tune for hit medical drama Gray’s Anatomy and appearances on The O.C. and Nip / Tuck, Psapp’s profile is set to continue rising - Psapp received an award from BMI in 2005 for their Gray’s Anatomy theme tune and have recently signed their publishing rights with Chrysalis.
Psapp have just completed their second album, entitled “The Only Thing I Ever Wanted” set for release on Domino this June. They will be embarking on a worldwide tour in 2006.
You can’t put Psapp on in the background - it will stomp it’s foot and pull faces until you listen. Try not to smile at this exhilarating new band.
