Live music listings: March 2007

Doors 7.30
£7 via WeGotTickets
£9 door

The Orchids - this enigmatic five piece band formed in Glasgow - have released some of the finest pop songs of their generation since humble beginnings in Penilee, a suburb of the city, where the three founder members grew up and started the band in 1986.

“A blissful mix of the best Scottish bands of the last few years” [NME]

Their first six singles and three albums were met with widespread critical acclaim, much of this from outside the UK. They graduated from the gentle lo-fi craft of their first album, 'Lyceum', in 1989 [“A minor classic – don’t let is pass you by” said NME] through to the ground breaking and progressive sounds of their third, and aptly titled, 'Striving For The Lazy Perfection' (“lithe, evocative and memorable” - Melody Maker] iin 1994 with “sixth member” Ian Carmichael of One Dove at the studio controls.

In the intervening years they released 'Unholy Soul' in 1991 [“Sarah Records answer to the Beach Boys' 'Pet Sounds'”] and some truly original singles and EPs that, in keeping with a stance sometimes perceived as awkward and single-minded, were always kept apart from album projects. The ethos was always more about value for money for their fans than genuine stubbornness, however. These included what many believe to be the high point of their career to date, 'Something For The Longing' as well as final single 'Thaumaturgy' in 1993.

Reformed in 2004 after a break of Paddy McAloon proportions they're now ready to take another swipe at the tedious world of the music business with an album that takes them back to their musical roots. Recorded at Riverside Studios, home to other better known homegrown acts such as Travis, Teenage Fanclub and Trashcan Sinatras, their new record 'Good To Be A Stranger' - released on Madrid based label Siesta on 5th February 2007 - is a fabulous collection of new songs that will feed the hungry appetite of the fan base that has grown over the intervening years. Ahead of their time in the early '90s, it is only now that many have realised how fascinating and mature those earlier releases were.

Following the album, a cover of The Go Betweens’ song 'Magic In Here' will also appear on a Grant McLennan tribute album released on USA’s Rare Victory Records.

“The best Scottish pop band since Orange Juice” [Melody Maker]

The Zebras were born about five years ago in the same Brisbane backwater that was once home to groups such as The Go-betweens and The Saints. In recent years they've formed a substantial and loyal following at home and their recordings have been widely acclaimed nationally and internationally.

Their sound is driving but clean. Uncompromising vocal melody with generous layers of chiming guitar give The Zebras' sound a unique sparkle. The songs are short and to the point and never outstay their welcome but certainly linger in the mind long after the first listen. As we speak The Zebras are launching their second album 'Worry A Lot' through Melbourne label The Lost and Lonesome Recording Company (brainchild of Mark Monnone of Lucksmiths fame). This album is certain to please the Zebras' loving fans, with its bountiful guitar and vocal melodies and distinctively modest Brisbane charm.

Home recorded and with modest arrangement and production, the songs are intelligent yet hummable as hell. The Zebras have been described as being reminiscent of The Go-Betweens or the Flying Nun bands of the '80s and '90s, so if that is your bag, The Zebras are sure to please.

“Beautiful vocals rest dreamily upon a light layer of sunny instrumentation that you just know is one of many logical next steps that stem from the C86 sound: sensitive, but not stupid." [You Ain't No Picasso, USA]

First on are Slipslide, brilliantly lush pop music from Graeme Elston and his band of ex-Astronauts which melds influences such as Aztec Camera and the Go-Betweens into a melodically breezy sound that has hints of Merseybeat.

Fans of classic songwriting, 12-string guitars and black turtlenecks won’t go far wrong. Some say their album “The World Can Wait” on Matinee Recordings is that label’s highwater mark.

“Listening to Slipslide's debut full-length is like taking a trip in a time machine back to the late '80s/early '90s when indie pop bands began to get signed by labels with money and headed to proper studios to make big, glossy POP! records. Think of the first Primal Scream album, or the overlooked East Village and their Heavenly recordings. Or think bigger and think about early Lloyd Cole & The Commotions or the Weather Prophets. These are bands with chiming guitars, crystal-clear vocals, and sparklingly clean melodies, bands that write songs that are emotional and immediate.” [All Music Guide]

RSS