The Exquisite Corpse Game
Release Date: 02 Sep 2013 • Formats: CD • Cat No: BR-010 • Label: Believer’s Roast
Tracklisting
Fold 1: Khyam Allami
Fold 2: Karda Estra
Fold 3: JG Thirlwell
Fold 4: Kavus Torabi
Fold 5: British Theatre
Fold 6: Bob Drake
Fold 7: Weasel Walter
Fold 8: Dominique Leone
Fold 9: Appleblim
Fold 10: Katharine Blake
Fold 11: Max Tundra
Fold 12: Mikrokosmos
Fold 13: Craig Fortnam
Exquisite corpse is a method by which a collection of images is collectively assembled. Each collaborator adds to a composition in sequence until finally the whole completed picture is revealed.
This technique invented by the Surrealists is similar to the old parlour game, Consequences, in which players write in turn on a sheet of paper, fold it to conceal part of the writing, and then pass it to the next player for a further contribution.
The Exquisite Corpse Game is a unique musical collaboration based on these rules, featuring Khyam Allami, Karda Estra, JG Thirlwell (Foetus/ Manorexia/ Steroid Maximus etc) Kavus Torabi (Knifeworld/ Cardiacs/ Guapo), British Theatre (Oceansize/ Biffy Clyro), Bob Drake (Thinking Plague/ 5uu's/ The Science Group etc) Weasel Walter (The Flying Luttenbachers/ Behold The Arctopus) Dominique Leone, Appleblim, Katharine Blake (Mediaeval Baebes/ Miranda Sex Garden) Max Tundra, Mikrokosmos (Levitation/ Dark Star/ Cardiacs) Craig Fortnam (North Sea Radio Orchestra/ Arch Garrison)
Once the first 'fold' was recorded each artist was given only the last 20 seconds of the previous composition and had to continue by recording instrumental music in any way they saw fit.
Whether they chose to develop themes or take an obtuse 90 degree turn was entirely up to them.
Each 'fold' had to be a response to the 20 seconds they were given and be between one and four minutes long.
None of the contributors heard the entire piece until the final 'fold' had been completed
Taken individually, The Exquisite Corpse Game represents thirteen brand new, original compositions by thirteen innovative musical artists but taken as a whole the entire album has a kaleidoscopic, dream-like yet homogenous quality. Themes and ideas seem to repeat and reoccur throughout in a way that could not have been known to the contributors. There is an ebb and flow throughout that sounds both pre-concieved and deliberate.
© 2022 Khyam Allami