Released on Jack White’s Third Man Records, ‘Up’ is a swirling psychedelic gothic blast of an album, originally recorded in 1987 but only getting a release now after thirty three years. Formed in Manchester in 1986, and taking their cues from The Velvet Underground, The Fall and Buzzcocks, they had a guitar driven squalling soundscape yet topped it with dreamy vocal melodies. They supported Spacemen 3, The Pastels, Inspiral Carpets amongst others, yet despite a loyal following amongst the 80s indie kids of Manchester, they never really received wider appeal.
Songs such as ‘Carol In Your Eyes’ and ‘Cast Your Sadness, have a Velvets meets goth rock feel. ‘She’s A Waterfall’ is the best tune on here with its C86 jangly indie vibe, whereas ‘Sneaky Feelin’ matches that melodic sound with more of a Velvet Underground drum pounding, guitar feedback haze. ’Up’ finds melodic vocals nestling on top of a looping guitar riff and guitar fuzz, before the album ends with the nineteen minute psychedelic opus of ‘Alice’s Paper Plane’ which sounds like Pink Floyd at their most obscure, and resembles more of a free form psych jazz experiment.
One of Manchester’s long lost bands finally gets their debut album out there. A great long lost release full of intrigue and psychedelic twists.
The Magic Roundabout: Up – Out Now (Third Man Records)
From the early days of creating handmade zines, in a DIY paper and glue style, interviewing bands around town, then pestering Piccadilly Records to sell them, to writing for various independent mags such as Chimp and Ablaze, writing about the music I love is still a great passion. After testing the music industry waters in London with stints at various labels, being back in my hometown again, writing about this city’s vibrant music scene is as exciting as ever. All time favourite bands include Sonic Youth, Nick Cave, Patti Smith although anything from electro to folk via blues and pysch rock will also do nicely too. A great album, is simply a great album, regardless of whatever musical cage you put it in.
