Yet again, that train to Rio is delayed.
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Guillemots are a London based pop quartet tipped for the top in 2006. Even if you didn't know a thing about them, you could probably guess they're slightly unconventional.
And you'd be entirely correct - I mean, how many bands name themselves after a type of coastal bird?
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Certainly, this is no meat and two veg rock 'n' roll band - this is a bunch of musicians who create skewed but wonderful pop songs, sometimes lasting three minutes and sometimes eight, depending on their mood.
They've spent much of 2005 on the road, which has included support slots with Tom Vek and Rufus Wainwright. Much attention has been focused on their live show, which are often impromptu in nature and incorporate instruments ranging from typewriters to meat cleavers. Apart from all that, there are horns, whistles, a guitar, a double bass and singer Fyfe Hutchins' extraordinary voice. Put together, it's the most compelling noise you'll hear all year.
Their debut EP, I Saw Such Things In My Sleep, is going for in excess of £100 on EBay, and their recent single Trains To Brazil is currently hard to avoid on the radio and music television channels. Hype can be a dangerous thing, as has been proven, but if there ever was a band to transcend it, it is these four wannabe birds.
They are, quite simply, not to be missed.
Q: So what are Guillemots' top 5 albums of 2005?
Fyfe:
1. Richard Hawley - Coles Corner
2. Bjork (whatever that soundtrack album is called).
3. Joan As Police Woman - Real Life (not actually released yet, but she was one of the singers in Rufus' touring band and she gave us this and it's beautiful...should be out next year)
4. Ray Lamontagne - Whatever it's called, was it released this year? I don't know.
5. The Test Icicles record even though I haven't heard it, as I thought they were splendid live in Amsterdam - we were both playing the London Calling festival and they gave us their drinks tokens afterwards so they're good people too.
Q: How are you going to be spending Christmas?
Smothering our bodies in quail feathers and mince pies.
Q: So 2006 is nearly upon us, what are your plans for the not too distant new year?
Well, becoming harcore druggies obivously. And to record with Bjork. That can wait until 2007 though. We're patient.
Q: Any new year resolutions you want to share with us?
STOP BEING SO SHY YOU MORON! Not you...I don't know...I'm single now you see. I've just split up with my girlfriend. So, this is an open offer...that's not really a resolution though, is it?...um, eat less pastry based food. There you go.
BUY Guillemots - Trains To Brazil (Single)
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