We were delighted when Gordon Chapman-Fox dropped us a line to do a show together and now Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan come to Oxford for the first time in March! The project sees a bold visual aesthetic and striking retro-futuristic audio identity seamlessly melded together into one evocative musical package.
Over six albums and one EP, Chapman-Fox impeccably soundtracks the construction and growth of a northern English community from the mid 1970’s to early 1980’s, rendered in shimmering arpeggios and soaring, euphoric leads.
Having been embraced by both the mainstream media (BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 6, RTE) and niche publications alike, as well as hitting both the UK album charts and multiple end of year lists (Piccadilly Records, Bleep, Electronic Sound), it’s clear that there is no end of appreciation for the impeccably produced, immersive drift of Warrington-Runcorn’s sound.
While all of the entries in his canon have garnered significant praise, it was 2023’s The Nation’s Most Central Location that really put Warrington-Runcorn on the map with Electronic Sound naming it album of the year and Rough Trade dropping it at no. 13 in their list, as well as netting Chapman-Fox a repeat appearance at End Of The Road Festival in both 2022 and 2024.
Though the strong visual aesthetic and impeccable world building is a strong part of Warrington-Runcorn’s presentation, it would be nothing without the effortlessly evocative music that lies at the core of his essence. Bristling synth lines that puncture the air, rumbling basses and chord swells that you feel right to the spine, with rhythmic arps and snapping delays effortlessly taking the role of most of the traditional percussive elements.
The latest album Public Works and Utilities makes graceful stretches outwards into folky minimalism, shimmering IDM and languid ambient.
Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan’s Music is perfect for sound tracking the building of a new world, or the ending of an old one.
You may also like the following events from Divine Schism:
Also check out other
Festivals in Oxford.
