Forest Swords returns with double single "Butterfly Effect" / "Tar"

“Butterfly Effect” features a previously-unheard vocal sample by the legendary singer-songwriter Neneh Cherry. The track marks the electronic producer/composer’s first new music in five years and is the first taster of a forthcoming project later this year.

"The track swirled around as a pure instrumental for a while, a beat I made in the cold factory space in Liverpool I was recording in, some kind of attempt to cope with the psychedelic amounts of pain I was in from a leg injury" says Barnes. "Neneh’s unreleased archive vocal turned out to be a perfect fit, like they were meant to be together somehow. As a fan that has always idolised her, it's a true honour and life highlight to have her blessing to use the vocal on this track".

The single is accompanied by an ancient-futurist video created with visual artist Sam Wiehl, and is released along with new B-side “Tar”.

Since his last critically acclaimed studio album, Compassion, Barnes has spent the past few years working as an in-demand composer and sound designer – scoring music for the Oslo Ballet as well as acclaimed Microsoft video game, As Dusk Falls.

The single is accompanied by an announcement of UK and European tour dates – Forest Swords' first live shows since the pandemic – which include a date at London's Institute of Contemporary Arts.