GoGo Penguin, the Manchester-based trio that has brilliantly fused jazz and electronic influences since its formation in 2012, reaches an exciting turning point with its new album "Necessary Fictions," available on June 20, 2025.
In this project, pianist Chris Illingworth, bassist Nick Blacka, and drummer Jon Scott deeply explore their artistic identity to reveal its most sincere and personal essence. This translates into some of their boldest decisions to date, notably a more pronounced use of modular synthesizers. For the first time, the trio expands its usual lineup by welcoming guest musicians, including the Manchester Collective led by violinist and artistic director Rakhi Singh. Additionally, the track "Forgive The Damages" marks the first appearance of a vocal performance on a band recording, featuring singer-songwriter Daudi Matsiko.
The band explains: "'Necessary Fictions' refers to the magnifying glass through which we all see ourselves. As human beings, our initial perception is shaped by various external factors, our parents, and societal expectations. The 'Necessary Fictions' are the stories we tell ourselves to help us navigate life in the best possible way. This applies not only to us as individuals but also as a group. Our first album, Fanfares, was released 13 years ago this year, and in that time, the distance we have traveled, both literally and figuratively, is enormous.
This album is about shedding projected ideas from the past and helping us take concrete steps towards becoming authentic individuals, despite the fear of what others might think and their expectations of what they believe we should be. This music was made with the utmost authenticity to speak honestly about who we are."
In short, "Necessary Fictions" is an ambitious album, imbued with renewal, carried by a group that fully embraces its identity: open to collaboration, enthusiastic about exploring new horizons, and determined to have fun in the process.
The album is available on CD and double vinyl.
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