Bone-rattling B-movie soundtrack meets broken-beat sizzler in this exotic and hypnotic piece of drumming heaven… Island Of The Snake People is the fourth single taken from Jem “Stone” Panufnik’s epic musical book, The Legend of Kaptain Karnival: an audio-visual feast of Jem’s striking art and unique grooves.
Turning up the heat and tempo is Mo’ Wax and Tru Thoughts mainstay Palm Skin Productions, a talent who has leant his incredible production, performance and remix skills to the likes of Neneh Cherry, REM and Depeche Mode and is a member of renowned electronic impro band The Bays. His truly wild remix whips us into an acid-fuelled, 303-twanging, relentlessly funk-driven journey that will excite house and breaks DJs alike.
From the creative pioneer behind the music and art of Finger Lickin’ Records, this highly original release is the latest chapter in the voyage to find Kaptain Karnival, a hardback book of Jem’s illustrations that accompany the album of deep, rich electronica. Take the trip!
Take yourself on an incredible voyage of discovery by way of a sumptuous hardback book of rich and imaginative illustrations that accompany an album of evocative, musical electronica: The Legend of Kaptain Karnival is a highly original audio-visual feast from the mind of artist and musician Jem “Stone” Panufnik, renowned producer and sleeve illustrator for pioneering dance music label Finger Lickin’ Records. The book is available from distinguished publisher of club culture and electronic music, Velocity Press.
Ostensibly a colourful journey to find the truth about a mysterious, once-celebrated icon called Kaptain Karnival, on a deeper level the narrative eludes to the universal search for lost mischief and magic, raising questions of faith, love, devotion and the desire to reignite passions that have been lying dormant.
“I have always revelled in telling stories through my work which often includes commissions for contemporary dance and theatre, soundtracks and immersive experiences. Equally, much of my artwork commissions require me to visualise and elaborate on a narrative. The concept of Kaptain Karnival began crystalising during a simultaneously joyous and sinister period during lockdown, when I found myself in a deep search of my own, ” Jem explains.
“My epiphany was recognising that elusive spark we all need as humans: we know it is there but to our detriment life throws up constant blockages, diversions and distractions. I wanted to illustrate the reach for this much-needed metaphysical force by using something equally powerful and intangible: the fusion of music and art, specifically in the form of a luscious book you could hold in your hands and sink into as you listened to the sonics.”
Fused with the striking and atmospheric art is the specially-composed soundtrack (streamable on all platforms as well as on the beautifully decorated bonus CD embedded into the artwork). Within the rich textures and styles that range from infectious wonky disco to sublime ambience, is a cast of amazing jazz and funk musicians who have lent their craft to a wide array of artists including Quincy Jones, Radiohead, Primal Scream and Groove Armada.
“When I began composing the music I had a very strong visual lead in my head, freeing me to create worlds, action sequences and characters I knew would ultimately unite with the imagery. I would then flip it back and draw the wild environments with the musical elements running around my mind. My mission was to fuse these two disciplines to create a multi-sensory experience, a powerful journey, by way of a psychological, archaeological dig through fantastic worlds and seductive beats.”
Celebrating the powerful synergy of image and music, The Legend of Kaptain Karnival is to be enjoyed in the great tradition of record art lovers: something exquisitely produced to hold in your hands, to lose yourself to, an in-depth peruse as you listen to the grooves.
Kaptain Karnival awaits your arrival.
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