About
Raf and O are Raf Mantelli and Richard Smith. The two piece band from South East London deliver a vortex of live electronics, acoustic instruments and fragile, magnetic, strange lullabies married to a pop spirit.
Press have described them as ‘Indietronic delicacy’ (Mixmag), ‘Emotively intense’ (Subba Cultcha) ‘Bewitching’ (Raveline, Germany), delivering “Really excellently knitted experimental and cinematographic world’ (De-Bug Germany) whilst ‘They display outright pop mastery’ (Flux Magazine).
Raf and O have released 3 records on Geo including their debut album ‘A Giant In The Snow’ and a 10 inch vinyl to UK/ European acclaim – radio included BBC6 Tom Robinson Show, RAI 3 (Italia), National DLF (Germany). They have played live sessions for Resonance FM, performed across the UK and have supported legendary Faust and Alabama 3 amongst others.
With a wealth of experience behind them, including a lengthy collaboration with Gagarin who has played with Pere Ubu, Nico and John Cale, they have also written tracks with electronic producer Robert Logan. Long-term history included working extensively on the live circuit with art/ post rock outfit Eye-sis AKA Isis (hailed by Charlie Gillett in the late ’90s) alongside Luke Wills and drummer/ Slowfoot Records linchpin Frank Byng.
Raf and O ‘s new full length second album is due for release in 2013 – many of the tracks have been performed live in 2012 with an exciting live set up comprising a hybrid of electro/ acoustic drums, self-made triggers, pads, samplers, vocals, synths and acoustic guitar.
In anticipation of the album, Raf and O celebrate by launching a new single ‘Lady Grinning Soul/ The Fog’. Often performed as the finale to the live set throughout 2012, their rework of David Bowie’s ‘Lady Grinning Soul’ has received praise by Mike Garson, David Bowie’s pianist and creative collaborator since 1972. It is released alongside Raf and O’s mix of ‘The Fog’ with a remix by post-dubstep trio Nedry. Launching at Cafe OTO, London, April 1st 2013.
