Laurence Pike returns with his most ambitious album project to date – The Undreamt-of Centre is an evocative, contemporary reimagining of the requiem mass.

The album draws on the sounds of modern classical music, Japanese environmental ambient music, fourth world electronics, free jazz and the choral traditions of Estonia, with particular influence from Tallinn-based composer Tonu Korvits. Featuring the VOX Sydney Philharmonia Choir, conducted by Pike’s childhood friend, composer Sam Lipman, the album was recorded in a 19th century Gothic church in Sydney.

Listen to first single ‘Introit’.

Laurence Pike on The Undreamt-of Centre:

I first had the thought of working with voices a number of years ago. I had the strange notion of making a requiem mass for drums, electronics and choir. It sat with me since then, until it felt the time was right to realise the idea.

Why a requiem? Initially I simply liked the idea of a structural format that had existed and been reimagined again and again over hundreds of years. Ultimately, it’s a ritual set to music. The processes and ecstatic outcomes of rituals, were something I had explored in making the Holy Spring album in 2019. I became interested in subverting the religious musical construct of a requiem into something far more contemporary, using language and sounds not readily associated with it. It also seemed a ready-made vehicle to explore the sound of a choir with my electro-acoustic drum kit performances.

Watch Pike explain the motivations behind The Undreamt-of Centre and see behind the scenes footage of the recording sessions:

Pike is launching the project with two performances at the Phoenix Central Park cultural centre in Sydney with the VOX Sydney Philharmonia Choir on Thursday 22nd August. If you’re in the area, get your name down on the ballot for free tickets.

The Undreamt-of Centre will be released September 6th and is available to pre-order now on limited edition Forest Green vinyl LP, CD and digital.