Locust features Slowdive ft Neil Halstead playing NYC & LA

Spectral +: Locust Returns with Ethereal New Work

Electronic music visionary Mark Van Hoen is back in the studio, returning as Locust with the highly anticipated album Spectral +, set to arrive on September 11 via TODO Records. This new body of work marks an exciting moment for the artist, offering a deeply layered sonic experience that draws on profound vocal and instrumental influences from across the globe.

The album is rich with collaborations, featuring contributions from established names like Neil Halstead of Slowdive, alongside other compelling talents including Natasha Morrow, Olive Kimoto, and Nick Holton. These creative partnerships infuse the music with a unique texture that balances melodic depth with ethereal atmosphere.

Among the standout tracks are immediate gems. “Long Distance Lover” beautifully intertwines the voices of Halstead and Morrow, setting an instantly intimate tone. Then there is “Soul Sky,” which features the unmistakable presence of Queens rapper Griff Spex, injecting a fresh, soulful energy into the mix. Completing the collection is the gorgeous, haunting single “White Light,” a track that embodies the album’s spiritual and dreamy aesthetic.

The genesis of “White Light” reveals the depth of Van Hoen’s creative process. The song originated from a vocal sample drawn from Sudanese music, which was subsequently developed with inspiration from the work of Touch artist Claire M Singer and the sounds of the Union Chapel Organ. This foundation was then enriched by adding a live string quartet, and the original haunting four-note vocal sample was replaced by a session singer. The track was further refined through live performance recordings, incorporating drums, bass, and guitar before the final mix.

Working with Olive Kimoto, who contributed lyrics and vocals laden with distinctly religious and spiritual themes prompted by the music’s harmonic nature, led to more dynamic development. This collaborative journey highlights how deeply spiritual and layered Van Hoen sought to make the sonic landscape of Spectral +.

Fans can experience these atmospheric tracks immediately. “White Light” is available for listening, and other songs from the album offer further glimpses into this ethereal world.

To celebrate the release, Locust has scheduled a series of live performances throughout September. Fans are invited to experience the new material in person, with dates lining up in Los Angeles on September 11th, Brooklyn on September 14th, London on September 24th, and Glasgow on September 26th. These dates offer a unique opportunity to witness the magic of Spectral + live.