Maillist
FOCUS ON: 21gunsalute
- Official Website >>
- Label: Captains Of Industry >>
- Genre: Indie
Guns don't kill peoplepeople do.
21gunsalute's stark, windswept sounds recall the warm fuzziness of Mercury Rev and emotive swirls of Spiritualised (Jason Pierce has already proclaimed himself a fan) and the breathless beauty of distinctly British-sounding bands such as British Sea Power or Doves. There are touches of Nick Drake's pastoral tones in there too.
From the same diverse Newcastle-Sunderland scene that has recently spawned The Futureheads, Golden Virgins and Yourcodenameis:milo, 21 Gun Salute's live shows have been known to involve, in turn, the use of stools, spectacular light displays and gospel choirs. They formed in early 2003. Cue long walks round badly-lit estates and time spent in a damp-walled bunker in Sunderland. Human fermentation. Social incubation; once you step outside, there's no turning back
'The Campaign For Constant British Summertime' was an experiment conducted in Scotland in the 1960s whereby farmers rebelled against Greenwich Mean Time and adjusted their clocks in an attempt to extend the British summer time. This is a concept that 21gunsalute hope to promote through their music. They dont much like winters and will willingly go against nature for that extra ray of sunshine.
Fitting, each song on 21gunsalute's debut single is a majestic and metaphysical awakening; a lush soundtrack to a hinterland that exists beyond the cusp of our every day consciousness.
'The Campaign for Constant British Summertime' - An extended biography.
"Like all the past, this too is fiction."
21gunsalute has existed for two years. Originally intended to be a side project to then band The Fields, where Tom`s fractured Drake/Beta Band inspired odes to modern life would have a chance to breath and prosper as they rightfully deserved. But like all good and proper bands should, The Fields burned out.
Tom and Andrew needed something to keep them out of trouble though. Form another band, of course. But we were still 21gunsalute were we not? "It's a bit long for a name though" cried Thomas. On to the video store then. A futile attempt to find inspiration. Having made the journey anyways, we made the obligatory 48-hour hire. The Filth and the Fury. What a film. 5 stars said the critic. The best names come by accident. The Johns. It fitted so perfect. Like favourite old kecks. Unclean, warm and comforting. We are the Johns. It fitted so perfect.
On to the record store then. Shiny new CD's. Some old, some new. We stole the ones we couldn't afford. Are you not bored of listening to the same old? Digesting the biggest chunks of The Independent, Burroughs and Chomsky we could manage, some happy verse was penned. Pompous and self-righteous? So are we. Three memorable days recording the song which may be our Albatross, The Gap were merrily spent. 4-track of course. As per. We even forgot our troubles. For a short time anyways.
Everybody wanted to be John for a while. We would have more guitars than a second Stone Roses album. The right people, the right mix, the right influences- alas no. Far out people come and go. In timeit's always down to time. Internet chats at midnight with fellow sad cases. Just how did John Cale get that Organ sound on 'Ocean'? Some clown said that it was in fact Doug Yule. Then it came. The tape and a nice letter as well (but the tape was nicer). James, 6ft 1 from Newcastle. Dark brown hair and friendly eyes. Bass and guitar. A right clever so and so!
So then, hastily arranged practices in the backdrops of Byker. Long walks through badly lit industrial estates. The shy musician an easy target for the local bully. Thankfully we emerged unharmed and found refuge in the Bunker. Underground havens, damp walls and the heart wrenching decision to upgrade to eight tracks. We found old Fields drummer Marc again. (How long he had been down there is still a mystery. Some say since 89.) Upsetting the physical balance of the band at 6ft + again, (Thomas stands at 6ft3) the singer person will have to watch his ample steps in future.
Some shows were played. People clapped and people smiled. At least to our faces. "Everyone's the `The` though" cried Thomas. So we again return to the origin of the 21gunsalute. A mouthful or not. Rid yourself of the slave name. Back to the blueprint and on to the show. Like all the past though, the above is fiction.
