Himmel’s music occupies the territory between drone, krautrock and cosmic jazz, creating a powerful live spectacle that combines minimalism with the elemental power of a rock band in full spate. Tolling Fender Rhodes, bass guitar and Chris Cutler’s unique drumming lay the foundation for a mosaic of shifting harmonics and submerged melodies from an orchestra of vintage organs played through fuzz boxes.

Himmel was founded in 2008 by Andy Saunders and the experimental arts collective Lewes Arts Lab. Andy is a founding member of Towering Inferno, whose album ‘Kaddish’ fused chanting rabbis with heavy metal guitar and hypnotic systems music. Brian Eno once described it as the most frightening record he had ever heard.

In July 2015 Himmel conducted a three-day workshop at Festival MIMI in Marseille with 10 local musicians who had never played the material before, culminating in a group performance that MIMI organiser Ferdinand Richard described as “exceptional… generous and inspiring”. In September they return to Cafe Oto. The last show sold out, and the band take up a lot of floor space, so early booking is advised.

The line up includes:
Chris Cutler (Henry Cow), drums
Dave Tribe (Tomas Hiltz) bass
Andy Saunders (Towering Inferno)
Glyn Perrin (Man Jumping),
Richard Miles (Tomas Hiltz)
Jake Rousham
Mike Barnes (Lemon Kittens and The Wire)
Debbie Googe (My bloody Valentine)
Kath Gifford (Snowpony/Sleazy Tiger)
Adam Bushell
Andrew Greaves
Al Strachan (Crayola Lectern)
Ian Paxton (Hamilton Yarns)
Dave Benke
Graham Carlow (David Devant and his Spirit Wife)
Alice Eldridge