A-Sun Amissa

A-Sun Amissa

A-Sun Amissa is a UK avant-rock group formed in Leeds in 2011. The project grows out of the work of members of Glissando and develops from ideas first formed in autumn 2011. It focuses on minimalist drones, modern-classical movement and avant-garde tendencies, and moves away from the piano-led ambience of earlier projects connected to its members.

Line-up

The group begins as a trio: Richard Knox and Angela Chan start shaping the project, and Owen Pegg joins a month later. Knox is also involved with Glissando, The Rustle of the Stars and Of Thread & Mist. Chan is also associated with Glissando, The Rustle of the Stars, Ten and Tomorrow We Sail. The verified membership lists the group as Knox and Pegg.

Sound and performance

The music combines dense drone textures with melodic string writing and interwoven guitars. Its live performances mix recorded material with improvisation, creating new movements and progressions from the existing pieces. The group’s approach relies on subtle, carefully layered textures and close interaction between the players and instruments.

Related activity

Richard Knox also runs Gizeh Records, an independent label that releases music by artists including Conquering Animal Sound, Sleepingdog, Glissando, FareWell Poetry, Fieldhead and Trespassers William.