Beak> announce the departure of Geoff Barrow
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(Credit: Press)
After 16 years, Geoff Barrow is calling it quits as a member of Beak>. He founded the band with Billy Fuller and Matt Williams, although the latter was replaced by Will Young in 2016.
The trio released four studio albums and a soundtrack to the film Couple in a Hole, with their latest record, >>>>, emerging earlier this year. Beak> will tour the album across Europe and the United States in the coming months before Barrow officially departs from the beloved band.
The decision comes due to Barrow’s desire to work on other projects, such as a feature-length film. He has also stated that he needs to rest his “dodgy ankle”. In a statement posted by the group, Barrow wrote: “About 16 years ago, 3 like-minded musical strangers got together in a studio to make some music and didn’t care if anyone heard it or not…”
“After four albums and hundreds of shows around the world, it has ended up being the most joyful musical journey I’ve ever experienced.”
Barrow formed the project after releasing Third with Portishead, which he co-founded with Beth Gibbons in 1991. The legendary trip-hop act rose to prominence with their 1994 album Dummy, which won the Mercury Prize. They were pioneers of the genre, fusing electronica with obscure samples, impeccable production, and the influence of everything from retro soundtracks to krautrock.
After then releasing Portishead and Third, Barrow formed Beak> to allow for new forms of experimentation. While Beak> is a noticeable sonic departure from Portishead, he still works heavily with electronic instruments. However, he’s now ready to move onto the next stage in his career.
“In life, you know when it’s time to quit touring and now’s that time for me,” he wrote. The future of the band is currently uncertain, although they aren’t ready to throw in the towel just because Barrow will no longer be working with them. “In terms of future Beak> activity there’s life in the old dog yet, but we need time to mourn our Geoff. New music and activity will come along when the time is right,” they shared.
The band will hit the road in November, performing in the United Kingdom before heading to mainland Europe and then coming back for a few more shows in Ireland and Bristol.
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