“Survival Tactics” is iubar project‘s debut concept album. 13 years in the making, the release explores the themes of human behaviour, isolation, conflict, and abandonment of planet Earth. Against the backdrop of a world torn apart by ecological collapse, austerity, and the pervasive grip of neo-liberalism, the album is a musical meditation on the potential reality of the years to come.
The album is divided into two sides: the Earth Side, featuring tracks 1-8, and the Abandoned Earth Side, featuring tracks 9-13. Each track on the album offers a unique sonic exploration of the emotions and experiences of those who remain on Earth, as well as those who have abandoned it for the escapist concept of distant space travel.
Included are also 2 bonus tracks: iubar’s remix of ‘Bolted’ by Reuben Ingall and David Finnigan as well as an alternative version of ‘Untold’ featuring the voice of the late Melbourne poet and artist’s friend – Ania Walwicz. ‘Untold’ is a collaboration with Modus Op and in its original version features private family conversations that describe the hardship experienced by civilians during World War II.
Album tracks ‘Empathy in Action’ and ‘The Last One’ received international recognition, earning two Best Music Awards in 2021 (Shoot 4 Earth Worldwide Film Competition and the Global Short Film Awards in Cannes) for iubar’s music featured in the short film ‘Earth’. The track ‘Survival Coda’ has also received the award for Best Music in the Green Philosophy Film Festival in 2022.
iubar project’s philosophically charged music is an ode to resistance and hope which invites listeners to confront the harsh realities of a world in crisis and get a glimpse into a possible future where survival is only an option. Through its stunning sonic landscapes, the album serves as a call to action and a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and change.
The album is currently a Bandcamp only release available via the U.S label Vivarium Recordings with a selection of videos that can be seen below.
The Border (music video)
The First One (music video)
Survival Coda (music video)
Album video trailer
Album credits:
Key personnel:
Martin K. Koszolko: Synthesisers, field recordings, production [All Tracks]
Jaroslaw Binkowski: Guitars [Tracks 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12]
David Freudenstein: Bass guitar, synths, mixing [Track 6]
Modus Op: Drums and selected synthesisers [Tracks 7, 14]
Connor O’Brien: Additional hi-hat programming [Track 2]
Tracks 1, 3, 4, 8, 11, 13 written by Koszolko
Tracks 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12 written by Binkowski / Koszolko
Tracks 7, 14 written by Modus Op / Koszolko
Track 15 written by Ingall / Finnigan / Koszolko
Location recordings:
Track 12: Hamilton (New Zealand) by M. Koszolko with special thanks to Kent Macpherson for the equipment and a big thank you to the children – Olivia K, Lucas D, Cara M and Ronan M for lending their voices to the project!
Tracks 11, 12, 13: Daylesford and Melbourne (Australia) by M. K. Koszolko.
Track 11: Lesna Podlaska (Poland) by Daniel Swiader.
Track 07: Biala Podlaska (Poland) by M. K. Koszolko with special thanks to Helena Koszolko for the story.
Track 14: Melbourne (Australia) by M. K. Koszolko with special thanks to Ania Walwicz for the story.
Guitar recordings in tracks 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12: Biala Podlaska (Poland) by J. Binkowski.
Live drums and synth in tracks 7, 14: Quakers Hill (Australia) by Modus Op.
Bass guitar and synth in track 6: Melbourne (Australia) by D. Freudenstein.
All other synth recordings: Melbourne, Daylesford and Newcastle (Australia) by M. K. Koszolko.
Mastering:
Tracks 5, 6, 9, 10 by Carlos Pompeu
Track 3 by Kaleb Brockenshire
Track 15 by Wade Clarke
All other tracks mastered by M. K. Koszolko
Graphic design:
KOshowKO
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