Stumpf Sand

Stumpf is what Ilia Gorovitz (drums) and Sun Ra Bullock (bass) like to call their regressive rock duo. It was founded in 2019, shortly after Gorovitz’ arrival in Berlin.

What started out as improvisational routines during lockdown days became a steadily regressing concept band: There would only be drums, bass and the real time mutations of their respective sounds by way of distortion, delays and no-input mixer feedback loops. Also all titles would consist of one syllable words beginning with an S.

With their first digital EP “Start” Stumpf laid also the foundation for Edelfaul Recordings. Now, after 4 ½ years of releasing their own music – as Stumpf, solo or collaborational – and a few albums by friends and likeminded musicians, Stumpf are coming full circle with releasing the first ever vinyl album on Edelfaul Recordings: “Sand”

The four tracks are based on four photos by Mexican artist Lina Bailón that also became the cover artwork. While the titles simply refer to what can be seen on the pictures – pebbles, sand, waves and light reflections – it was the grainy texture of natural wave patterns frozen in a moment that inspired the album sound and all further regressions.

After some performances and rehearsals, Stumpf recorded the album in two days at U.F.O. studios, playing strictly full takes. All effects and noises were created during these takes without any overdubs. Best performances were picked for only the slightest edits and further mix treatment. Again, during mixing no additional tracks were added, but some nasty effects came into play.