Jac Berrocal - Broken Allures (2024)

‘Broken Allures’ is the fifth album from the trio of Jac Berrocal, David Fenech and Vincent Epplay, following releases on the Blackest Ever Black, Akuphone and KlangGalerie labels dating back to 2015. Their first for Cold Spring furthers what is a unique recording style with a musique concrète approach to mixing, characterised by the distinctive sound and technique of these musicians and producers. On what is arguably their most coherent and fully accomplished album to date, ‘Broken Allures’ also features two esteemed guests in Cosey Fanni Tutti and Jah Wobble.

Jacques ‘Jac’ Berrocal (born 1946) is a revered figure in the French avant-garde scene. Known for his specific trumpet sound and his distinctive blend of jazz, rock and experimental styles, he has played with musicians spanning from jazz (Jacques Thollot, Sunny Murray) to industrial (Nurse With Wound, Timo Van Luijk, Anne Gillis) to French chanson (Christophe, Marie France, Jeanne Moreau). He is also known for his famous track ‘Rock N Roll Station’, recorded with Vince Taylor, and has collaborated with iconic musicians such as Jaki Liebezeit and Pascal Comelade.

David Fenech (born 1969) is a versatile musician and producer known for his eclectic approach to music-making. He works in genres ranging from experimental electronic to avant-pop and has recorded and performed with musicians as diverse as Felix Kubin, Jad Fair, Tom Cora, Gary Lucas, Nurse With Wound, Pierre Bastien and Ghédalia Tazartès.

Vincent Epplay (born 1964) is a sound/visual artist and musician recognised for his experimental compositions and installations, with his work often exploring the intersection of sound, space and perception. He collaborated with Sebastien Roux on the soundtrack for the film ‘Nanook’ by Robert Flaherty and more recently for the Centre Pompidou on scores for movies directed by Jean Painlevé.

Cosey Fanni Tutti (Throbbing Gristle, Chris & Cosey, COUM Transmissions) contributes vocals, cornet and electric guitar in her own unique style. She has also written lyrics for two tracks on the album and brings a radical touch to the instrumental track 'Viva la Hacienda', which, in her own words, recalls her time recording with Throbbing Gristle.

Jah Wobble (founding member of Public Image Limited and collaborator with African Head Charge, Brian Eno, Björk, Holger Czukay, Jaki Liebezeit, Bill Laswell, Primal Scream, Evan Parker, Sinéad O'Connor, etc) plays a deep bass line on one track. He adds his signature industrial dub sound, with deep sub-bass frequencies.