Simon Hanes Records Gargantua: A New Work for 15 Musicians

Simon Hanes, a prominent figure in the New York downtown music scene, has produced a sprawling new work titled Gargantua, a composition for 15 musicians that blends high-art literary references with anarchic musical experimentation. The project draws thematic inspiration from the works of Rabelais and Dante, while also nodding to the raw power of volcanoes.

Released on March 27, 2026, via Pyroclastic Records, the album represents a departure from conventional arrangements, utilizing an unconventional ensemble designed for maximum sonic impact. Hanes assembled a group consisting of three singers, three French horn players, three trombonists, three bassists, and three drummers.

A Study in Sonic Excess

The structural ambition of the work is rooted in Hanes’ desire to capture a specific sense of musical ecstasy. According to reporting from AMN Reviews, the composer intentionally overextended the instrumentation to recreate the feeling of three drummers and three bass players go completely ballistic on their instruments.

This pursuit of intensity is balanced by a wide array of disparate styles. The recording incorporates elements of avant jazz, noise, a cappella, and Renaissance polyphony, maintaining a consistent atmosphere despite the diversity of the compositions.

The resulting soundscape varies from structured historical nods to dense, complex movements. For example, the track The Number Of The Beast Is 666 opens with a lighthearted vocal chant and instrumental accompaniment reminiscent of the Medieval period, which gradually increases in intensity.

In contrast, Submit To The Fabulosity is described as a dense piece lasting over seven minutes, characterized by shifting motifs and the full 15-piece band performing at full capacity. Another significant movement, Lucifer / Aurem Chaos, spans 15 minutes and oscillates between searing blowouts and moments driven by lilting vocals.

Literary and Artistic Context

The New York Times has characterized the work as the masterpiece of an anarchic young composer, noting the specific nods to the literary giants Rabelais and Dante. These influences, combined with the volcanic imagery, suggest a thematic preoccupation with scale, chaos, and the sublime.

Hanes’ approach to the project also includes elements of satire and silliness, preventing the ambitious scope of the work from becoming purely academic. This blend of the profound and the absurd is a hallmark of the downtown New York scene in which Hanes operates.

Career and Performance

Simon Hanes is a bassist and composer known for his involvement in several other projects, including Tredici Bacci, Trigger, Tsons Of Tsunami, and collaborations with JG Thirlwell.

The debut performance of the album took place during the week of March 27, 2026, at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville. The live presentation of the 15-piece ensemble was noted for its vibrant arrangements and vital composition.

The physical release of the album is available as a compact disc in a 4-panel wallet, which includes an extensive liner notes booklet to accompany the complex musical narrative.

• Release Date: March 27, 2026
• Label: Pyroclastic Records
• Ensemble Size: 15 musicians
• Instrumentation: 3 singers, 3 French horns, 3 trombones, 3 bassists, 3 drummers