“...drips with drama and intrigue” - The Wire
Following Red Largo's critically acclaimed and award-nominated 2024 debut album "Transmitting", the Berlin-based band's second album "Hotel Neuf"
Red Largo's music and sound are based on the unusual instrumentation of lap steel guitar, bass clarinet, and flutes, combined with electronics, vocals, harmonium, and drums. The band formed in 2023 as part of a theater project in Berlin. Under the conceptual direction of Sonja Kessner—writer and director of the play—musicians Fredrik Kinbom (Gemma Ray, Sarah Blasko), Andreas Dormann (Moka Efti Orchestra, Thåström, Swans), and Chris Farr (Michelle Gurevich, Moka Efti Orchestra) developed a completely unique musical language.
Their debut album, "Transmitting," received positive feedback and excellent reviews, including in The Wire (UK), Visions (DE), Concerto (AT – 5/5 rating), and Louder Than War. It was also nominated in three categories for the German Record Critics' Award.
Their debut album, "Transmitting," received positive feedback and outstanding reviews, including in The Wire (UK), Visions (DE), Concerto (AT – 5/5 rating), and Louder Than War. Across eight tracks, the new album “Hotel Neuf” presents a broader range of sounds, moods, and atmospheres than its predecessor. Sonja Kessner complements the sound with ethereal vocals. There is a greater proportion of composed parts and song structures. However, improvisation remains an essential element of Red Largo's music, both in the development of the pieces and during the recording process. Renowned film composer Matti Bye, who also appears as a guest on the new album, wrote about the band's sound: “Some music can evoke moods and images without being film music—it's a kind of balance that borders on mysticism. I love this music.”
The basic tracks were recorded by Ingo Krauss while the band played together in a room at Candy Bomber Studio in Berlin. Band members Fredrik Kinbom and Sonja Kessner subsequently added various overdubs to the recordings.