Name: Send and Return
Brand: Ultramarine

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

BH014

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: Yes

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-05-26

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Kudos

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

Total Cap

Black LP

Artist

Ultramarine

Genre GB

Electronic

Label GB

Blackford Hill

Ultramarine is a London and Essex-based UK duo formed in 1989 by Ian Cooper and Paul Hammond. Both members were previously part of the band A Primary Industry. Their early releases were on the Brussels-based label Les Disques du Crépuscule and later on Brainiak Records, closely affiliated with The Brain club in Soho, London. They gained recognition for their second album, which was described as "pastoral techno" by Simon Reynolds. Ultramarine has released several albums over the years, including collaborations with Robert Wyatt.

In 2011, after a 13-year hiatus, Ultramarine returned with two new singles followed by their sixth album in 2013. Their music combines elements of acid-house and folk-jazzy ambience to create a unique sound that has captivated audiences worldwide.

LTM Publishing (Les Temps Modernes) released a collection of remixes and alternative versions from Ultramarine's early-90s period in 2003. The group's discography also includes reissues of previous albums to cater to fans who have been eagerly awaiting their return.

The moods and movements of an English estuary can be heard running through a stunning and deeply intriguing new album from the electronic duo Ultramarine. Flowing and mutating as it transitions from an Essex river into the open sea, the Blackwater Estuary, north of London inspired this beguiling collection of hypnotic jazz, itching electronica and softly dazzling ambient shapes. 

“There’s a very distinctive feel to the Blackwater Estuary, it’s almost Dickensian,” explains Paul Hammond, one half of Ultramarine. “It’s a very quiet, rural area with these mud flats everywhere – I think the river ended up seeping into our music.” Paul and his musical partner Ian Cooper went to school in Maldon, Essex, at the head of the Blackwater Estuary, the stretch of water that inspired their shimmering, mysterious and gently meandering upcoming album Send and Return.

They began making music together in the 80s, releasing Ultramarine’s debut album Folk on Belgian label Les Disques du Crépuscule in 1990. Over the next decade or so, they recorded two John Peel sessions, collaborated with Robert Wyatt, toured the States with Orbital, then Europe with Björk. After a hiatus, they began recording again in Ian’s home studio, overlooking the Blackwater.

Send and Return

Music GB