JIM CARROLLon music
Forget the hatred, it's time for love, hugs and reunions
Once upon a time, a band getting back together again was an event. Now, the reunion is part of the career plan.
Look at this year’s Electric Picnic bill, for instance, which was announced yesterday and features several familiar faces you thought you’d never see again.
Say hello (again) to The Cure. Welcome back (again) Orbital. And you’ll also be getting 1990s gothcore (again) from Cranes, whether you like it or not or can even remember them from the first time around.
But they’re not the only ones who have a longing to get back into action with their old muckers. This summer, you can’t move for bands of old doing the reunion shuffle. From The Stone Roses to The Cranberries, it’s time for hugs, smiles and collective bonhomie –at least in public.
For some acts, it’s an interesting U-turn. They may have called it a day while they were still just about on grunting terms with each other but, fast-forward 10 years, and the acrimony of old is forgotten when solo projects fail to ignite and bill payments are overdue. Nothing beats the lure of a big cheque to overcome any lingering doubts band members might have about doing one more for the road.
Sometimes, the reunion works wonders for act and audience. There are many who speak highly of recent reunion shows by Pulp and Blur as highlights of those particular years.
Sometimes, though, the reunion reminds you vividly that the band in question will never be able to relive their glory days whatever they think. Case in point? Pixies, who returned to great acclaim in 2004, but quickly became part of the furniture by playing anywhere that would have them. Lethargy and disinterest soon followed from all but the hardcore fanbase. That should serve as a warning to those bands sizing up the reunion trail for the summer.
New music
DARK TIMES
Our new favourite Norwegian band. Dark Times are a pair of riot grrls and a boy playing demonic, angry, fierce, angular punk rock as if their lives depend on it, with singer AK lashing into the songs. Check out their debut for the Sheep Chase label especially Shallow Breatherand Distrust. Facebook.com/ darktimesoslo
ARTHUR BEATRICE
Forthcoming debut single Midlandfrom the London-based four-piece is one of the reasons folks are keen to find out about these Golden Girls' fans. Hip, classy and nonchalant, the beautifully crafted Midlandsees Arthur Beatrice in thrall to the timeless depths of The Sundays.
SLEEPER AGENT
Anthemic, rowdy garage rock'n'roll with idiosyncratic whoops and hollers from a young Kentucky six-piece signed to M.I.A.'s Mom + Pop label. We're hearing a lot of potential for fun live shows in their Celabrasiondebut album, chockablock with killer tunes, brilliant riffs and bubblegum choruses. Sleeperagentmusic.com
Now playing
Julia Holter Ekstasis(RVNG Intl) Pop reinvented for the 22nd century by Holter on her broad, ambitious, infectious new album for free spirits and space cadets.
Django Django Django Django(Because) Reserve a berth in your best-of-2012 list for this delightful debut and its inventive, imaginative tunes and wild leftfield turns.
Lauryn Hill Doo Wop (That Thing(Columbia) A reminder of when the former Fugee was in her element with the world at her feet.
Alabama Shakes Boys & Girls(Rough Trade) Classic soulful rock and blues-pop from the magnificent foursome heading to Ireland in May for a date at the Kilkenny Roots festival.
NZCA/Lines NCZA Lines" (Loaf) Arty, colourful, ear-catching r'n'b-electro from London producer and falsetto crooner Michael Lovett
