Peter Kernel

Peter Kernel is a Swiss art punk group formed in 2005 by Aris Bassetti and Barbara Lehnhoff. The project is based in Switzerland and is active from 2005 to the present. Its sound is described through art punk, indie, post-punk, new wave and alternative influences, with a pop rock approach.

Members and roles

The group consists of Aris Bassetti and Barbara Lehnhoff. Bassetti performs guitar and voice and also works as a graphic designer. Lehnhoff performs bass and voice and also works as a filmmaker.

Origins and early work

Peter Kernel first comes together to write the soundtrack for the experimental musical Like A Giant In A Towel, which is directed by Lehnhoff. The musical appears at the Locarno International Film Festival in 2006. The band name and early identity develop around this collaboration and a stated connection to an intimate love story.

Recordings and releases

The group releases its first album, How To Perform A Funeral, in 2008 on its own label, On the Camper Records. In 2009, it follows with The Ticket EP on 10-inch vinyl, also on On the Camper Records. During 2009 and 2010, the band also explores improvisation as part of its work.

In February 2011, Peter Kernel issues the audiovisual project Il Pomeriggio Non Si Sa Mai Bene Cosa Fare, which combines a 12-inch vinyl release with the video Man & Nature on On the Camper Records. The group records twelve new songs during the 2010 Christmas holidays for its second album. It then releases the single Anthem Of Hearts on 7-inch vinyl on the French label Africantape, followed by White Death & Black Heart, which appears later in 2011 on Africantape.

Touring and live appearances

Spencer Krug of Wolf Parade invites Peter Kernel to open for the European tour in September 2010. The band then appears at venues including HMV Forum in London, Thekla in Bristol and Point Ephémère in Paris. It also shares stages with Mogwai, Trans Am, Cat Power, Enon, Blonde Redhead, Shannon Wright, Wolf Parade, Why?, Twin Shadow, Wild Beasts, Trentemøller, The Notwist and Sunset Rubdown, among others.

Festival appearances include Soundlabs Festival in Abruzzo, Paleo Festival in Nyon, Bad Bonn Kilbi in Düdingen and Cully Jazz Festival in Cully.