After some years of (non)hiatus, Contagious are back with a new album that furthers the evolution of their uncompromising sound. The album features the high caliber talents of guests: Valentina Magaletti, Sofia Jernberg and Andrea Belfi. “Being” is conceived around the different activities pursued by the band since the release of their first (self-titled) album. Members: Sabine Erklenz, Andrea Neumann and Mieko Suzuki have been concentrating on performing, composing and organizing their own event series “Partners in Crime” at Morphine Raum, Berlin. This series is an ongoing process of inviting musicians to collaborate, share and record new material - unrestricted by genre or anything else. It was during these sessions, “Being" was conceived and recorded. Inspired by the wide range of lifeforms found in nature, the track titles are once again dedicated to species that challenge binary notions of sex. The album conveys the band’s brutal approach to improvised processing - tense buildups, powerful grooves and delicate release. Contagious’ signature sound very much suits the wild vocal extensions by Sofia Jernberg, obsessive drum patterns by Valentina Magaletti and the Moondog-esque, hypnotic percussion of Andrea Belfi, all of whom offer powerful contributions to a tracks on the LP. The overall result is a blissful and loving punch in the stomach Track Listing A1 Comb Jelly feat. Sofia Jernberg A2 Zebra Shark A3 Boa Constrictor feat. Valentina Magaletti A4 Turbellaria B1 Smithii Ants feat. Andrea Belfi B2 Komodo Dragon B3 Sea Wasp B4 Marbled Crayfish