Woo’s Robotic Visions Come to Life with Double Album Reissue on Independent Project Records

In an exciting announcement from Independent Project Records (IPR), fans of the U.K. cult band Woo are in for a treat as two of their albums, “Robot X” (2016) and “Xylophonics” (2017), have been reimagined and released as companion pieces. This marks the first time these albums are available together, both as double CD and vinyl sets, as well as digitally, complete with updated artwork. To celebrate, a new music video for “Robot X’s” standout track “Repeatability” has been released on IPR’s YouTube channel, showcasing the creative genius of Woo’s Clive Ives.

The relationship between IPR and Woo dates back to 1988 with the release of “Whichever Way You Are Going, You Are Going Wrong,” followed by the 1989 cult favorite “It’s Cosy Inside.” Decades later, the prolific brothers behind Woo, Mark and Clive Ives, have once again collaborated with IPR, which itself is celebrating its fourth year since relaunching. This reunion has brought forth a beautifully crafted double album that highlights the distinct design aesthetics of Bruce Licher of IPR, featuring letterpress artworks that exceed expectations.

Bruce Licher, founder of IPR, recalls his initial encounter with the music of Woo in the mid-eighties, expressing his excitement to work with them again nearly 40 years later. He praises “Robot X” and “Xylophonics” for their unique sound that remains true to Woo’s experimental and electronic roots. The albums offer a blend of experimental music that is both deeply layered and minimalist, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in their retro-futuristic visions.

“Robot X” draws inspiration from the imminent reality of humanoid robots, influenced by the sci-fi and dark comedy of Terry Gilliam’s “Brazil.” Its artwork, a collage of old industrial machinery etchings, reflects a dystopian world reliant on whimsical machines. On the other hand, “Xylophonics” emerged from reworked tracks from the ’90s, showcasing the Ives brothers’ first forays into digital recording, resulting in futuristic and optimistic tunes.

The track listings for both albums hint at the inventive and thematic depths explored within:

Robot X:

1. The One That Got Away
2. Harmonic Drive
3. Nanobots
4. Edmondo
5. Repeatability
6. The Three Laws of Robotics
7. Awareness Signals
8. Multi-Minimal Malfunctions
9. Resolution Sensory Feedback
10. X Robot
11. Resista Reggae
12. Robot X

Xylophonics:

1. Xylophonics
2. Refer To The Manual
3. The Spark
4. Supernaturals
5. The Typewriter
6. Temperamental Circus
7. Xylophinics 2
8. Memory Oscillator
9. Peak Harmonies
10. Whistling Home
11. Space Patrol
12. Sound Corridor

This release not only celebrates the enduring legacy of Woo but also the visionary partnership between the band and Independent Project Records, offering a unique auditory experience that traverses past, present, and a speculative robotic future.