Music

Guillemots
We say Emerging in the middle of last year, this richly talented four-piece caused quite a stir in industry circles thanks to their ability to mix an experimental, post-punk edge with a definite knack for good old-fashioned guitar pop. A bidding war duly followed, with Polydor eventually acquiring the signatures of the band’s Brummie frontman, Scottish drummer, Brazilian guitarist and Canadian double bassist. An eccentric, engaging bunch, their artful, jazz-cum-electro-cum-rock looks certain to propel them to big things in 2006.

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They say Frontman Fyfe Dangerfield: ‘We met in London through random accidents and messages on noticeboards. All four of us had made music in our lives that was very cliquey and underground, but we all loved pop music too. So, the idea was that we wanted Guillemots’ music to stand out, but that it should not be hard to listen to.

‘I originally said we’d never sign with a major label, but in a strange way because the majors have got more funds, they can actually give you more freedom. And because of all the silly industry hype last year we were in a very strong position, so we’ve got a really artist-friendly deal – the label has just left us to get on with recording it.

‘The acts we love most are people like the Beatles, Björk and Brian Wilson, because even their most experimental stuff is really accessible too. In the past when I did improvised jazz gigs, I’d be playing really atonal music and I’d occasionally slip in a melody and almost feel embarrassed for doing it. These days I’m really comfortable with it. I know it’s kind of unfashionable, but I do love a good tune.’

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