Trappist Afterland - The Eden of Gnostic Folk

The new Trappist Afterland album “Evergreen – Walk To Paradise Garden” (Cosmic Eye/Sound Effect Records) could represent – finally – an opportunity to bring Adam Geoffrey Cole's music to Italy as well, for two excellent reasons: European distribution and the participation, on one track, of David Tibet. The Current 93 frontman has brought luck and visibility to artists who are now far more famous than he is (Anohni above all), and his name could draw in new listeners. Whether released under his own name or under the band's, Cole's music – which on his Bandcamp page he describes as “folk made with voices, various acoustic instruments, tabla, percussion, harmonium and tanpura drone” – surely has a potential audience wider than the one it has reached so far. With nine albums under the Trappist Afterland name, plus EPs, singles and solo works credited to Cole, mostly self-released in limited runs (all of it streamable and purchasable in digital format from the Bandcamp page or, for those who can afford it, at prices now spiralling out of control on Discogs), the hope is that this “gnostic folk” will finally break through the barriers of geography and sonic overcrowding, earning the visibility it deserves. To do our small part for the cause, we asked Adam Geoffrey Cole directly to tell us a bit about himself and his music.

What are the main differences between your solo career and your output as Trappist Afterland?

Generally, when I make an album under the Trappist Afterland name there are more musicians collaborating on the record, whereas the solo albums are more stripped-down. For instance, on the new album there's Henry Parker, Angeline Morrison, Tali Trow and David Tibet.

What should we expect from the new album? Continuity or a break from the past?

The last year has been very turbulent for me. My mother passed away, my marriage ended after 24 years, and my dog Floyd died. So it's a fairly introspective, sad album. It's a very personal record, even though the songs are fairly direct and a bit less experimental than previous releases under the Trappist name. In terms of songwriting, it's a bit like my first solo album “Fallowing” (2020).

The first Trappist Afterland album dates back to 2012. Has your approach to music changed over the years?

After Covid ended, I felt inspired to write more focused, more direct records. I think my love for British solo folk artists contributed to this new approach, which continues to this day, even though on the new album my collaborators and I use a lot of instruments.

What role do ethnic instruments play in your music?

In recent years I've mainly used the oud, the zither and the hurdy-gurdy. I love those instruments, even though my main instrument is without a doubt the guitar. The oud is particularly fun to play. I love Hamza El Din, he's been a huge influence, even though I tune the oud in a very different way.

Beyond the instruments themselves, the very structure of some of your songs seems to incorporate ethnic sonorities ("Sea Burial", from your solo album "The Tracks Of The Afterlander", seems to be built on the rhythm of a tabla, which isn't actually present in the track). From this point of view, how has your music evolved?

I imagine that after every album you tend to keep learning more. So, in a way, the music is constantly evolving. I tend to try to write the kind of music I'd like to listen to myself. I think my influences are pretty evident, although most of my work is generally very personal – especially the lyrics.

You've described your music as "gnostic folk". What role do the lyrics play, and how much do the themes you tackle influence the sonic choices and the atmosphere of your work?

Up until "Seaside Ghost Tales" I was heavily involved with a gnostic church. So all the albums up to that point were extremely influenced by the Nag Hammadi texts, by gnostic scholars and theologians. Today, though, I'm definitely more interested in a more orthodox approach to Christianity and its mysticism. I've realized that my most recent work is less centered on gnosticism, I think it's because I'm a practicing Catholic, and that must have influenced me. My music has probably also become more introspective and personal. I guess I'm a Catholic with a gnostic heart!

The new album features David Tibet as a guest. Has his music influenced you? What music inspires your work?

I've been a longtime disciple of David and his Current 93, probably for over 25 years or so. Getting to know David and working with him a bit has definitely been one of the highlights of my musical life. I listen to all kinds of music, though, I'm a big vinyl collector. I listen to everything, from jazz to folk, metal, psychedelia, progressive rock and everything else. I also listen to a lot of world music, gamelan and Middle Eastern music.

Your early works are now collector's items, selling online for crazy prices. Is there any hope for reissues?

I'm always open to the possibility of reissuing my work, if there are labels interested in doing so. Because of the costs of pressing vinyl, though, I can't afford to do it on my own. Looking ahead, I'm also thinking about a retrospective release.

After years of self-releasing, the new album will get a European distribution. How would you like to present yourself to an Italian audience who might not know you yet?

I hope people can see me as a sincere, hard-working singer-songwriter. I try to write timeless music that comes from the heart. I also like to challenge the audience with themes and structures that I hope people will find interesting.

One last curiosity: are there any Italian musicians you appreciate?

Oh, there are plenty, I especially like the prog bands from 1970s Italy like Picchio dal Pozzo, New Trolls, Area, Le Orme, Pierrot Lunaire and Museo Rosenbach. I particularly love Kay Hoffman's album featuring many Italian musicians ("Floret Silva", editor's note). Oh, and I love Franco Battiato, of course, and his many collaborators.

Ride the wave of great music

Add OndaRock to your favorite sources on Google Discover. Don't miss our reviews, milestones and latest news straight in your feed.

Follow on Google