Voka Gentle, the experimental band formed by identical twins Ellie and Imogen Mason and William J Stokes, have released their latest album, Domestic Bliss. The record features a mix of folk-inspired elements and innovative sounds, from revving motorbikes to metallic clashes. In a recent interview, the trio shared insights into their collaborative creative process and live performances.
Voka Gentle, consisting of identical twins Ellie and Imogen Mason from Knockholt near Sevenoaks, and William J Stokes—who is married to Imogen—draw from diverse musical backgrounds. Ellie serves as a session guitarist for artists like Paolo Nutini and Badly Drawn Boy, and works as the in-house engineer at Mute Records, with access to synthesizers once used by Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode. William specializes in modular synthesis sound design and is pursuing a PhD in composing at extreme volumes. Imogen is completing an MA in sound art and released her debut solo album last year under the name sm^sher.
Their new album, Domestic Bliss, blends violin, banjos, guitars, and electronics into an experimental soundscape described as "chaos funnelled, noises refined and words chiselled." It was released on vinyl, including a special Dinked Edition with a bonus CD of remixes. The band emphasized their experimental approach in the interview, often combining disparate song sections or instruments. As Imogen noted, "We have three people who are all songwriters, producers and arrangers... We're going to naturally collide, and we welcome those collaborative moments."
Collaboration is key, with the trio checking egos and making decisions democratically, sometimes via a quick 2-1 vote. William described it as "the most brutal type of democracy." The album was crafted with live shows in mind, leading to adjustments based on performances. They perform with drummer Ollie Middleton, focusing on a "visceral experience" that includes triggering samples and improvisation. Field recordings, such as a motorbike convention hum in the track 'The Creature,' add texture, though live adaptations convey similar sensations.
A standout moment is in 'Kinema,' which builds from intimate bass and vocals to a frenzied climax with metallic sounds inspired by Wagner's Ring Cycle. The band recorded by smashing objects like a metal ladder in a London studio, involving assistants in the chaos. Recent shows have incorporated live looping of crowd sounds for added experimentation.
Hailing from Kent, the Masons attended Tonbridge Grammar School and credit local venues like the Tunbridge Wells Forum for sparking their musical path. Ellie reflected, "Imogen and I probably wouldn't be in music if it wasn't for being able to play at The Forum or The Grey Lady." The band appreciates discussions about their process, viewing them as revealing self-insights.
