Håla Duett + Kouma

Håla Duett
with Yann Joussein et Franck Gaffer

Håla Duett is a duo comprising drummer Yann Joussein (co-founder of Collectif Coax, member of Keep The Bastards Honest, Tribalism3 and Bribes 4) and guitarist Franck Gaffer (the man behind Sheik Anorak, Gaffer Records, and a maverick on the DIY scene). The two musicians blend their influences — repetitive krautrock and traditional African rhythms — to create a sharp, danceable sound, somewhere between Sonic Youth, Tinariwen and Elvin Jones.

This unique collaboration takes us into a no man’s land between Tuareg rock and New York rock.

Hummed in various languages, Håla Duett’s compositions tackle simple yet fundamental themes such as music as a unifying force, or gender equality. Composed between Sweden (Gothenburg) and France (Paris), the EP “Rana” was recorded in Gnesta, east of Stockholm, during the 2018 Scandinavian tour.

The result: a unique blend of genres that were never meant to meet.

Kouma
with Romain Dugelay, Damien Cluzel et Léo Dumont

If one were to draw up a list of the bands that, over the past 18 years, have come to life and grown within the walls of the Périscope before going on to make their mark on its history – not only would that list be veeeery long – but one could honestly say that Kouma would occupy a truly special place on it.

The trio, comprising Romain Dugelay (saxophone), Damien Cluzel (guitar) and Léo Dumont (drums) laid the foundations there for a style of math rock that is as dense as it is demanding, born from the fusion of rock, jazz and polyrhythmic influences.

Their music draws on complex rhythmic structures whilst cultivating a great deal of freedom in improvisation and ensemble playing. The band creates a soundscape that balances rock power with jazz sophistication, and has inspired two other groups, Polymorphie and Pixvae (whom you may have already seen here).

After several years of silence, we’re naturally absolutely thrilled to welcome the power trio to kick off the season, with a set consisting mainly of new tracks.