Music

When Sony BMG decided to provide the financial umbrella for James Endeacott’s new label, 1965 Records, they weren’t blindly trusting a novice. Endeacott is the former head of A&R at Rough Trade – home to The Strokes and an impressive number of leftfield, quality acts – and the man who signed The Libertines. He claims that what he looks for in a band is ‘attitude and a beating heart’ and it’s that belief – plus the man’s boundless enthusiasm – that propels his new venture.

1965 has so far released four of its first batch of five, limited-edition seven-inch singles, ranging from bonkers techno-reggae (Norway’s Pizzy Yelliot) to arty glam (Canada’s The Book Of Lists). Radically different again is the label’s first full-length release – the second LP from NYC quartet The Occasion. ‘Cannery Hours’ slots into the dark, psych-rock/’60s hallucinogenic pop temper of the times alongside Dungen, Espers, Modey Lemon, Mercury Rev and Pink Mountaintops, but adds notes of neo-prog, polished West Coast rock and slacker pop, using pellucid guitar notes, swathes of flange, sombre piano and thrillingly ominous loops to vary the pace and mood. Sometimes, it’s like looking through a kaleidoscope with your ears while whacked on Special K – ie a bit of a trip. Here’s to 1965’s next synaesthetic adventure.