Smash hits
‘WE'RE TAKING BABY STEPS'
As Edinburgh's Broken Records deliver a debut of joyously epic proportions, Doug Johnstone reckons the capital's music bedrock is stronger than ever
lasgow has long been the focus in Scotland for all things indie. with Edinburgh a very poor
second when it comes to generating quality bands. but there are signs that’s changing.
decent environment to create music in. and a diverse
band’s early live promise and effortlessly spans the breadth of the band’s diverse influences. ‘You’re always a product of your influences,’ admits
Smith. ‘But with seven of us in the band, all from You wouldn’t quite say the capital has caught up , yet. but with more venues and promoters providing a i
range of bands taking advantage of that. there is a T
definite bull. in Edinburgh at the moment. and Broken Records are right at the front of the pack. The seven-piece folk-rock outfit formed at the tail
reputation for unique live shows and a sound which European folk music. known for its music.’ says piano and trumpet player
Dave Smith. ‘We’ve been allowed to grow at our own pace in Edinburgh and build up a bit of a following
very different backgrounds. that’s what provides the eclectic nature of our sound. It’s going to be quite tough with the second album. to bring out something as different and interesting as this record, but I guess
that’s our challenge.’
With the rampaging clatter of their mini-anthems,
and the presence of instruments like violin, piano, end of 2006 and have quickly garnered a great
trumpet and accordion. Broken Records’ early shows
saw reviewers describing them as the Scottish Arcade covers everything from widesereen rock to Eastern
Eire. Smith admits that this has been a mixed blessing
as far as they’re concemed. ‘lt’s good to be from a town that’s not massively
that way. There are some great bands here like (’hutes. Eagleowl and Eound. who are all doing really 1
good stuff. We’ve been asked if we’re going to
relocate to London. but we’re pretty proud to be from
Edinburgh. so we’re just going to stay here. thanks.’
The London question no doubt came about because Broken Records have signed to esteemed London- based indie label 4Al). home to TV on the Radio. The Breeders and fellow Scots Camera ()bscura.
This week Broken Records release their fantastic debut album. Until the [fart/t Begins to Part. an j
ambitious and often intense romp through an epic
indie landscape which more than delivers on the
‘lt’s an honour to be compared to them, but it’s really just lazy.’ he says. ‘You see seven people, a violin and accordion and jump straight to Arcade Eire. If you listened to Funeral then our record, I really don’t think they’re similar. It used to irritate us at the start. but hopefully the more people hear our album the more they’ll realise we just sound like Broken Records. no one else.’
And despite rave reviews across the press, the band themselves aren’t getting carried away.
‘We’re taking baby steps and I like that,’ says Smith. ‘We haven’t shot into the limelight and had loads of money behind us. so we know that if the record does well. it’ll be on the merit of the music alone.’
Broken Records play King Tut’s, Glasgow, Wed 3 Jun; their album is reviewed on page 72.
www.l_ist.co.uk/music
:1: Angela of Avalon Attic Lights (pictured), Alto Elite and Popup play in aid of Ann's Angels, 3 local organisation set up to promote the work of Ochre and the Balcraig Foundation. For more see www.annsangel memorial.co.uk. OMU, Glasgow, Sat 6 Jun. (Rock 8 Pop)
:2: Le Weekend A curious collection of left field pleasures including Adrian Utley from Portishead and dubstep pioneers Jazzsteppa. See preview, page 70. Tol/booth, Stir1ing, Fri 29— Sun 31 May. (Rock 8 Pop)
:1: IaIlnky Music Routes and Leith Folk Club present this dextrous quartet play an intimate show. The Village, Edinburgh, Sun 31 May. (Folk)
:1: Broken Record: See preview. King Tut '3, Glasgow, Wed 3 Jun. (Rock 8 Pop)
:1: Future of the Left, Degraael, 1 Inch Volcano and Tempercalln Pithy, acerbic gang of Four-ism from FotL, with kindred local spirits in muscular support. Studio 24, Edinburgh, Fn’ 5 Jun. (Rock 8 Pop)
:3: De La Soul Their classic Three Feet High and Rising is reappraised. See preview, page 70. HMV Picture House, Edinburgh, Fri 5 Jun; Arches. Glasgow, Sat 6 Jun (Rock 8 Pop) :1: Mastodon Metal's prog marauders lay waste to our ears with the masterful Crack the Skye. ABC, Glasgow, Sun 7 Jun. (Rock 8 Pop)
:2: Led Blb Top drawer squonk jazz trickery from dapper dan pipe abusers. See preview, page 70. Jazz Bar, Edinburgh, Sun 7 Jun; Stereo, Glasgow. Mon 8 Jun. (Jan)
:2: We Were Promleed Jetpacka Most excellent taut indie guitar strang from this Glasgow quartet. See Five Reasons, page 77. Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, Tue 9 Jun; King Tut's, Glasgow, Mon 15 Jun. (Flock 8 Pop)
:2: Kid Quaalude Eclectiv host for a royal rumble from Gameboy chip rocker. Pivo Pivo, Glasgow, Tue 9 Jun. (Rock 8 Pop)
28 May—11 Jun 2009 me us? on