Pianodrome Live: Alex Rex + Donna
Tuesday 9th August 9pm
Alex Rex
Alex Rex are gearing up to release their fourth LP, Paradise, via new London label Neolithic Recordings on July 30th. Few musicians have a musical CV as impressive as bandleader Alex Neilson. He’s drummed with some of the most eclectic musicians of the international underground; from Bonnie "Prince" Billy to Shirley Collins, Jandek and Current 93. All on top of a 10-year stint with his own critically acclaimed psych-folk outfit, Trembling Bells.
Whilst the first three Alex Rex records were shrouded in loss and loathing, Paradise is a different beast. Reunited with ex-Trembling Bells vocalist Lavinia Blackwall for the first time since the band’s demise - Marco Rea (Euros Childs) and regular collaborator Rory Haye make up the rest of the Paradise party, with guest vocalist Kacy Lee Anderson (Kacy & Clayton) blowing a seductive smoke-ring through one track. Paradise introduces us to a new and uncharacteristically playful side of Alex Rex.
Donna
Donna has performed and recorded in various guises and with several different Edinburgh and Glasgow-based groups (Scrim, King Rib, Pyramidion, Shareholder, Bad Aura, Waste Farm...) since 2002. As well as continuing her 15 years as drummer with doom/sludge band Of Spire & Throne and a regular show on Glasgow's Clyde Built Radio, her solo live performances since 2019 have seen her use synths, drum machines, tapes, gongs and bells to make semi-improvised house music and, more recently, meditation sounds.