Transcendence through repetition beamed via an aesthetic vision steeped in mystery: welcome to the world of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne’s Smote, an entity opening up uncanny new psychic pathways.
Characterised by motorik drumming and razor-sharp guitar tones smote also bring a presence of something ancient or other worldly with the addition of Dulcimers, droning vocals and flutes. However, the basis behind a lot of their music lies in the undercurrents of guitar feedback and the droning of open tuned guitars, bringing a raw energy that grapples with the meditative nature of their work. The musical approach of Smote may have started out as a resolutely DIY one, yet from the humble origins of bedroom and rehearsal room recordings, the project has now become a full-fledged and powerful live band, whose live appearances have already caused a considerable stir and we look forward to welcoming them to the supersonic family at this year’s festival.
“Smote delivers head-down psych conjuring, where the spiral turns ever inward, even as the noise reaches outward.” – The Sleeping Shamen
