Billy Fuller, best known as the founding member, songwriter and bassist for the experimental rock group Beak>. , is set to release his debut solo album, Fragments, on April 3rd via Invada Records. The announcement comes as Beak> continues as an active project, offering fans a new avenue to explore Fuller’s distinct musical vision. Leading the charge is the single “Rummer,” a captivating track that’s available to stream now.
Fragments isn’t a traditional solo album in the sense of being a deeply personal reflection of a specific moment in time, according to descriptions of the project. Instead, it’s a collection of musical ideas Fuller developed over the past few years in his home studio. The album represents a span of time and creative exploration, compiled with a spirit akin to making a mixtape for a friend, as Fuller himself described the process. The result is a moody and immersive work that blends electronic and melodic elements.
Fuller describes his approach to creating the album as simply “making music like I always do. I have no idea who or what it’s for, like always,” a sentiment that underscores his dedication to the creative process itself. “Rummer,” he reveals, was directly inspired by the pioneering electronic music of Kraftwerk, constructed using a bass, drum machine, and Korg micro preset. Listeners can experience the track’s hypnotic quality for themselves below.
The album’s soundscape is described as kosmische-inflected, hauntological electronica, interwoven with melody and emotional resonance. Expect Neu-esque repetitions and motorik grooves underpinning skewed electro textures, punctuated by occasional spoken-word passages and flashes of psychedelic prog guitar. This blend creates what’s been called a “hypnagogic pop” sound – strange, yet deeply human.
Fragments isn’t focused on chasing singles or trends; it’s a testament to the love of music-making by an artist who has consistently released new work for over 25 years. It’s a self-effacing triumph of musical freedom, born from a prolific and dedicated creative practice.
Here’s the tracklist for Fragments:
- 01 “Rummer”
- 02 “Three Blind Mice”
- 03 “Penny Bont”
- 04 “Budfrey Robbed Alexander”
- 05 “I Can’t”
- 06 “Tailgates & Ratchet Straps”
- 07 “Todo”
- 08 “Blackstar”
- 09 “On The Eve”
- 10 “Something Else”
- 11 “Whammy”
- 12 “Won A Synth”
- 13 “Pirate Ship”
- 14 “Bonanza”
- 15 “Full Fat”
- 16 “Last Train To Yatton”
The album will be available digitally and on pink vinyl, with pre-orders currently open through Invada Records and Applestump Records. The vinyl edition, signed by Billy Fuller, is slated to ship around April 1, 2026. The album also includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, with high-quality downloads available in MP3, FLAC, and 24-bit/44.1kHz formats. Bandcamp offers more details.
Listen to “Rummer” below:
With Fragments, Billy Fuller offers a compelling glimpse into his individual artistic world, showcasing a unique blend of experimentation and melodic sensibility. The album’s release marks an exciting new chapter for the Beak> founder, and fans can anticipate a deeply immersive listening experience. The coming weeks will undoubtedly see further exploration of the album’s themes and influences as Fuller prepares for its April 3rd launch.
What are your initial thoughts on “Rummer”? Share your impressions in the comments below, and be sure to spread the word about Billy Fuller’s debut solo album!
