Keep Your Eyes Open
Let me introduce you to my new favorite band. This track comes from a selection of 9 demos, on the strength of which the band was signed to Fat Cat. So now they can rub elbows with such luminary label mates as Sigur Ros, Mum, and Animal Collective. I, for one, agree that they belong to be there and I can't wait to hear the finished materials from these Glaswegian lads.
This particular untitled track is 9 minutes long, making it the longest on their demo set. It's epic from the first opening chords and continues to build and crash and squeal throughout the duration. I think it's just brilliant. The rest of the songs carry on in a similar manner -- with lots of static, organ and the echo of open space to create beautiful textures and atmosphere. Each song lives in its own space and despite the seemlingly low-fi quality of the recording you can tell each track has been lovingly tweaked to its fuzzy perfection. I could listen to these all day.
There are times when their music reminds me of the Afghan Whigs -- which seems somewhat crazy. I would never have guessed that in 2006 a band from Glasgow would sounds like Greg Dulli circa 1993. It just seems implausible, but it's true.
So, as the story goes, the band is currently playing around the UK, writing and recording all new material. There should be an EP and a new album at some point over the next year. I'm not sure which will come first, but my gut tells me to look for an album in early February. Until then you can head over to their myspace to listen to four more tracks. The band doesn't yet have an official website, but I'm sure it will before long.