I don’t know a lot
about the duo Public Service Broadcasting, and, to be honest, as long as they
keep making tracks like they currently are doing, I don’t really care.
What they do isn’t
particular original, but, what they produce is something rather wonderful. Sampling old public information films and
archive, they blend with their own style of music comprising of synthesizers,
drums, pianos, banjos, and, probably anything else they can lay their hands on
to make music that is very accessible and very entertaining.
In June of this year,
they released the superb ep, The War Room, hot on the heels of single ROYGBIV, and
became favourites of Radio 6 and Janice Long alike. It’s easy to see why. The embarrassment of silly and pointless
lyrics is avoided, as is the need for banal choruses. Spitfire is testament to the ability to
create tracks that are both appealing and timeless (quite literally). Great guitar riff, a little New Order ish? Whatever, it’s infectious to the point of
brilliance. PSB are clearly accomplished
musicians too, it’s not all programming and drum loops, they clearly have an
ear for a perfect tune. Waltz For George
is simply beautiful. J Willgoose Esq plays
a banjolele which was previously owned by his Uncle, George Willgoose, who
perished at the age of 26 at the Battle of Dunkirk. The War Room has sold in excess of 10,000
copies – no mean feat nowadays.
Just over two years
since the release of their debut recordings,‘EP One’, they are back with
another slice of infectious ear-candy in the form of Everest. As before, samples from the archives are laid
over incredibly likeable music – words from the feature-length 1953
documentary, The Conquest Of Everest, and, a tune not unlike Lemon Jelly circa
Lost Horizons. The tune will not escape
your head, I promise. Apparently,
Everest was originally called Peak 15 – see, I’ve learnt something!
PSB are apparently
also quite something live too, unfortunately, I’ve missed them to date, but, I
won’t a second time. They proudly boast
that their music “teach(es) the lessons of the past through the music of the
future”. I’ll second that. Look out for their debut album in Spring 2013
– it promises to be a cracker.
Published on Louder Than War 9/11/12 - http://louderthanwar.com/new-band-of-the-day-public-service-broadcasting/
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