Where does all this creative energy keep coming from in Scotland?
If it’s not breakthrough bands like the Jyrojets and The Law, then it’s emphatic returns from bands such as ‘The Aliens’. I’ve reached the conclusion that we should all start drinking Highland Spring.
The Aliens are John Mclean, Robin Jones and Gordon Anderson. The three are former members of ‘The Beta Band’, a group notorious for their hatred of their debut album yet inspiring the likes of Oasis and Radiohead. Anderson, himself, also operated under the solitary alias of ‘Lone Pigeon’. Their all together cosmic folk-rock sound is suitably complemented by ambitious, weighty riffs and some epic journey style long players.
The band initially formed straight from the ashes of ‘The Beta Band’, and fired straight into production with the release of ‘Alienoid Starmonica EP’. This was swiftly followed by the successful 2007 debut album, ‘Astronomy For Dogs’ which was toured through the UK and USA. The band concluded the year by accompanying ex-Blur frontman Damon Albarn to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they gained the opportunity to perform alongside some of the most innovative artists in Africa. This trip refuelled the creative gland that was juiced to create their latest and most anticipated record, ‘Luna’. The band themselves describe the album as a mix between the Chuckle Brothers and Abba, dusted with a sprinkle of Zimmerman. A more suitable description is beyond me.
Listen to ‘Theremin’ by The Aliens below –
