One EskimO

Now this is something new; eGigs is sat in a private cinema in a Warner Bros building somewhere in Holborn, awaiting the first ever official preview of the world's premiere 'visual album'. The brainchild of One EskimO lead singer and founding member Kristian Leontiou, the imminent release of the 'All Balloons' record – a selection of Radiohead-inspired ambient indie-pop numbers set against an animated feature designed by Leontiou himself – could prove a landmark moment in pop history, and there is a curious air around the select few allowed entry into this sneaky peek at a couple numbers from 'All Balloons' and a chapter from the film itself.

The band play a short set that showcases their sumptuous, shoegaze-friendly sound to great effect, and eGigs can't pretend not to be just a little impressed by some multitask instrumentation courtesy of a trumpet/bass double header at one point. Leontiou's voice could be compared to the likes of David Gray, but in truth that doesn't do the guy's soulful tones enough justice, while the swirling, ghostly effects seeping through the music itself will find a welcome place in the hearts of electronica fans.

Soon after, episode one of the One EskimO animated saga is aired in all its fascinating glory. A charmingly engaging tale following the plight of a young Eskimo boy as the love of his life is taken from him by a mysterious puppet master named 'Mr Top Hat', the style of animation manages to retain a retro edge despite having a computerised two-dimensional spin on it ala Gorillaz. The outstanding effect is an irresistible romp that, being split into 'episodes' representing each individual song from the album, proves as addictive as it is colourful. With future tours being planned to include a live performance in front of the entire film, now might just be the time to delve into One EskimO, because this time next year they might well have gone supernova.

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.