The Manuscript EP, composed of tones, poetry, and tone poems, featuring Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode, was released by Kurt Uenala (aka Null + Void) on December 16, 2022, via hfn music.
A downtempo, poetic, and lyrically contemplative masterpiece
The Manuscript EP, composed of tones, poetry, and tone poems, featuring Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode, was released by Kurt Uenala (aka Null + Void) on December 16, 2022, via hfn music. The bonus track from the EP, “Cracks Are Showing,” is accompanied with a stunning visual backdrop provided by Snorri Bros, who also directed the accompanying music video.
Kurt Uenala noticed one of Dave’s routines after working beside him for several years at Gahan’s New York City studio and on the road with Depeche Mode: occasionally, he would pull out his notebook and pen. Something would be written down. However, it was mysterious as to what he was, in fact, writing. This was still up in the air. Thankfully, Gahan recorded some of his poetry and submitted them to Uenala, which led to the release we have today.
Kurt Uenala currently lives in Iceland, so he’s no stranger to solitude, but what about Dave Gahan, the big-city artist? Throughout the period of lockdown, the two used this opportunity to stay in touch and share dialogue about each others’ input. Uenala recounts, “I often wondered what he was writing in the notebook, but I never pried.” One day I inquired as to what he was writing when he was alone in a corner or by a studio window. Dave Gahan remarked that he was writing what were inner thoughts, feelings, and observations that would probably never be shared with the world. Fortunately, Dave Gahan recorded himself reading from the journal and generously sent it to Uenala. This was the beginning of something quite marvelous.
“…feeling the beauty, power, and loneliness of a world beyond me.” ~ Dave Gahan ::
Still, there is more.
Kurt Uenala began to listen to the tape on a classic Oberheim synthesizer in his studio, adjusting the settings based on everything from Gahan’s voice to the background sound. The ambiance of the black chapel in Uenala’s town, which has been used as a reverb chamber on many occasions, was also a notable source of creativity. It was at this time that the tracks started to take shape.
The two creators were satisfied with the outcome and felt that Dave Gahan’s words had greater power when combined with the music, rather than merely sitting by itself in a notepad. They both kept at it and eventually came out with an album of recitations with musical accompaniment. The tracks for the Manuscript EP were completed and compiled; they include “Longing,” “Get Out,” “G.O.D.,” “I Think Not,” and “Cracks Are Showing,” which originated from the original tape Dave Gahan delivered. The EP in its entirety is a downtempo, poetic, and lyrically contemplative masterpiece.
Gahan went on to say, “I’m not sure why, or when, exactly, I wrote these short pieces. I knew they were never to be songs. I do know that they were written when I was alone. Sometimes in a hotel room. Where? I can’t recall. Sometimes standing by the ocean or walking the beach in winter. Sometimes on the empty streets of New York City, during the lockdown. Always whilst feeling the beauty, power, and loneliness of a world beyond me.”
Manuscript is available on hfn music. [Bandcamp]
