I was commissioned to help out with album art, label branding and general art direction. Finally got a hold of physical copies so it's time to share. The album "A Little Hiccough from the Dear Lord", was done mid 2013, but is only just getting put out into the world (links to follow).

Drew Hanratty, and his merry band of Sino-American session musicians; all established artists in their own right, have slaved away to create a truly unique sound. Far from mainstream, accessible or indeed 'easy' listening - some of the core things they seem deeply motivated to avoid it would seem, it is highly satisfying stuff. To my layman ears, it's an amalgamation of refined, precise musical pedigree and playful avant-rock soundscapes. Technically complex arrangements, at times infuriatingly discordant, at others rousing and all laced with a querky, retro-futuro narrative voice. There's a strong literary influence. It's not for everyone, but it is quality, without compromise.

So, when it came to the artwork we settled on trying to balance an old world/new world aesthetic, 19th into early 20th century + Jules Verne meets Raygun Gothic (if that makes any sense) + a cleanness, minimalism, but with some fresh, bold, playful and somewhat 'loose', not-too-rigid aspects.... PLUS, there was an insistence on it having a traditional artisanal vibe, hence all the illustration and some typography being hand-drawn, this is the result. Go to the Project album for more images and details. Feedback so far is good, I think we got it right. At the end of the day, the design should not get in the way of the content it seeks to represent, it should give a good accurate sense of what lies within.