Matthew Bourne is back, and on Piano Day of all days. How very convenient.

Bourne follows 2017’s Isotach album, and recent collaborations with Keeley Forsyth and Nightports, with a collection of prepared piano pieces. Irrealis was recorded in a single session, each take played as live without any overdubs. Having taught himself the basics of prepared piano by throwing confectionary into his school’s instrument, elements of these experimentations played a key role in Bourne’s early performances. This culminated in an infamous performance piece which saw the explosive musical demolition of an upright piano with a sledgehammer. Far from the staid academic process the discipline is often approached with, Irrealis sees a restless improvisational musician explore the possibilities of his instrument with a box of nuts, bolts and Blu-Tak, and a sense of playfulness and spontaneity.

‘Alice’ is the first track taken from Irrealis, and is accompanied by a video directed by Ross Downes and shot at the famous Besbrode Pianos in Leeds.

Irrealis will be released May 27th worldwide digitally, and physically in the UK and Europe. The physical release for the rest of the world is July 15th. Pre-order the strictly limited black vinyl LP now – just 750 copies for the world and then it’s gone.

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