We?re proud to announce that we have recently signed Manchester-based downtempo outfit Marconi Union.

Richard Talbot and Jamie Crossley make up the enigmatic and publicity shy duo, who bring with them an acclaimed style and much praise from downbeat tastemakers, as last month?s number 2 position on the Echoes chart shows.

Under Wires and Searchlights their first album, appeared on the small British independent label Ochre Records in 2003, immediately drawing attention for its combination of synths, guitars, strings and cinematic soundscapes. Released in limited numbers copies quickly became sought after, often changing hands for high prices.

Over the next 18 months their sound evolving in a darker more electronic direction culminating in the 2005 (2006 in the US) album, Distance released on the influential All Saints Records. Inspired by images of cities and travel its cinematic textures bought them to the attention of a larger audience and inspired widespread critical acclaim particularly in the US where various tracks were prominently featured in a number of popular US television shows and independent arts based projects. Distance became one of the most successful ambient albums of recent years.

Through 2006/7 MU played a number of live dates including high profile gigs at Big Chill and the Eden Sessions and specially recorded a live set for the influential US radio programme Echoes.

Just Music will publish the digital release of their upcoming third album, A Lost Connection.

Marconi Union?s Website

Marconi Union?s MySpace Page