AUTOBAHN positively sound Northern.
Not in a Shaun Ryder copycat way, of course, but more in a 'group of lads who sink pints of bitter before exploring the darker regions of the human consciousness on cheap brown acid they bought off a bloke in an anorak outside the bookies' kinda way.
Of course, we'd expect nothing less. Leeds lads, the band's debut album 'Dissemble' is an astounding fusion of motorik rhythms, belligerent vocals, scorching guitar lines and black, black wit.
Out now, Clash invited AUTOBAHN to discuss what it means to be from the North. Here's what we got back…
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The North rallies on, through the discontent of its surrounding borders. Every day nearer to perfecting tomorrow's funeral. The north to me, to all of us is home. Growing up the only option was to escape your birth pool and look to better yourself. The dream was London, but the furthest any of us ever got was Sheffield. I really believed at the time moving to the south would enhance my life. My desire to live in London has changed dramatically over the years, I like London, I love the South coast, but what hasn't the North got that the south boasts?
Here I rate the north against the south in some of the most important things that matter to me in life…
Music Venue
Winner: The North – Brudenell Social Club
The best place I have ever been to, played, drank in. I remember the day Lou Reed died, it really hit home with me. On the same day I had to go watch some strange looking Americans called The Growlers with some friends. This music was really sucky sucky and if it wasn't for the Brudenell's warm arms that evening I don't think many of us would be here now. The drinks are cheap too, which leads me on to the next important necessity.
Cost of a pint of Fosters
Winner: The North
We recently played up in Stockton-on-Tees for a festival, not only were we delighted to play in the legendary Sound it Out records but we were blessed to find Fosters for only £1.79 in the first pub we entered. If you're hard up for Fosters then there's also a pound a pint pub, here's a photo of it…
Accessibility to the countryside
Winner: The North
Within two minutes I could be in reaching distance of a sleeping cow. This luxury never ceases to wear tired, clean fresh air and a painted landscape makes the grim north quite bearable. How could you not have a romanticised view of the grim reality when this is on your doorstep?
Accessibility to the bleak
Winner: The North / The South
This is the only joint winner, I guess it's hard not be near doom when you live in England. It's important to keep a hand on this, for us we have the run down old industrial areas of each city, these are where the creative move to. The south on the other hand are only touching distance away from David Cameron's condom head, so really have it much worse, but glooms a good thing, remember that.
Proximity to Mark E Smith in yards
Winner: The North – 77088 yards, that's 303424 yards nearer than if I lived in London
I've always been the believer that Mark E Smith is the centre of the universe, don't walk too far or you'll be let free. Don't get too close or you'll get pissed on. Guess we made the right decision.
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'Dissemble' is out now. Catch AUTOBAHN at London's Sebright Arms on December 1st.
