ALL MUSIC MAGAZINE SPOTLIGHTS BAND TO WATCH “FURROWED BROW”

 

 

 

In a this segment All Music Magazine UK/Europe we will be spotlighting some of the bands and artists that we think are going to get people talking in the next 12 months; bands and artists we think you should check out to stay ahead of the curve.

 

We would like to introduce you to “FURROWED BROW”, a band very much on the up and people are starting to talk!!

With anxiety, frustration and confusion etched into their very name, Furrowed Brow don’t know the meaning of fitting in. Since forming in Manchester in 2019, they’ve become well known (some might say notorious) across the North West of England for their fiercely unconventional sound and unruly, irreverent shows – droll, playful, subversive, sexy and intelligent – before the pandemic said goodbye to all that. Authentic and uncompromising, they find themselves totally out of sync with everybody and everything, part of no scene and unapologetically underground Musically, Furrowed Brow are up-tempo, glamorous and punky with yelping backing vocals and wry, meaningful lyrics that ridicule the duplicity and self-righteousness pervasive in today’s society. Tedious, mawkish love songs are dismissed with scoffing contempt – only irresistibly catchy and thought-provoking post-punk go-go weirdness will do.

Think The Fall meets The Divine Comedy, The Magnetic Fields processed through Larkin and Dostoyevsky, The Modern Lovers with intellect, or Violent Femmes with tits.

 

 

So with all that said, Desh Kapur Editor/Photographer at All Music Magazine UK/Europe decided it was time to have a little chat with them to see where they came from and what they have been up to and what their plans for the future are. ENTER Richey: singer, archaeologist, perfumed ponce and anti-hero, and the human residue of years in the wilderness banging his head against walls of icy indifference while listening to enough Morrissey and The Smiths to kill a horse. (in his own words)

 

Firstly who are FURROWED BROW?

 

Of course there is Richey singer songwriter and main protagonist and Alex, main handler and artistic foil, adds Dr. Who wails, distorted solos, and queer flourishes on keyboard and synth – along with always enthusiastic, tuneful backing vocals. Adorable lead guitarist Meg brings refreshing notes of cuteness and innocence, whilst slamming your ears with spiky riffs. Bassist Evie is the resident painter, costumier, dominatrix, and also the newest member of the band, contributing a mysterious blend of shuddering bass and sweet, sexy harmonies. And (literally) stand-up drummer Criostoir keeps everyone marching along with his affable humour and stomping glam rhythms.

 

 

Due to lockdown face to face interviews are a not permitted so email was the medium of choice.

 

What is the story behind your name?

I wanted a name that sounded cool, was totally original and expressed what my songs are about, i.e. confusion, frustration, worry, impotent anger and getting out of it, one way or the other. It was either that or Bummer Command.

What first got you into music? or Who inspired you to make music?

I got into music quite late, 15 or something, which is good because it means there’s no part of my life when I was listening to crap. Everyone was into The Strokes at the time; when I heard their music I thought it was such witless rubbish I immediately rushed out and bought a guitar.

How did you all meet?

We all met through Tinder, in various permutations.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

Post-punk go-go.

What is your creative process like?

It can be anything from spending months on one song to sitting down and doing it in one go to everything in between, there’s absolutely no formula.

 

 

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

At the moment probably Yard Act.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

It’s not about being glamorous one night a week darling.

What is the most useless talent you have?

Being a good kisser.

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

Boringly I don’t no.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

Walking around the countryside wild camping and looking at prehistoric monuments.

Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

We’ve only played in Manchester but we’re looking forward to doing some out-of-town gigs later this year – we’ve got one coming up in Newcastle on 27th August at Little Buildings. Also Big Hands on Friday 30th July, Peer Hat on Friday 6th August and The Castle on Saturday 4th September (all in Manchester), the latter with a really fantastic, weird other local band called Babel Station. More to be announced. Favourite venue might be The Peer Hat, beating heart of ‘the alternate’ (whatever that is) in Manchester. Least favourite has to be The Star and Garter because the doorman’s a solid gold twat.

 

 

What is your favourite song to perform?

I don’t really have a favourite song – they’re all good. I’ll say The Narrative of Hugh Gordon Pym, the b-side of our new single, because I’m really looking forward to playing it.

Which famous musicians do you admire?

That depends on how far you want to stretch the definition of ‘famous’… I like oddballs, freaks and weirdos who make amazing music and are (of course) duly ignored, but they continue to make a nuisance of themselves nonetheless.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

I got appendicitis once and had to have my appendix removed. I suppose that counts because I would have died without the operation.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Always pass on the best advice – it’s the only thing to be done with it because it’s never of any use to oneself.

What’s next for you?

A lot of gigs after the restrictions end and another release in the summer. We’ve had a few months’ gap in rehearsing because of the pandemic so we’re concentrating on getting back up to speed – we want to come out of the starting gate like a bat out of hell.

 

You can check out and experience  FURROWED BROW live at these venues on these dates, i’ll be there, you would be a fool not to join me!

 
Upcoming Gigs
 
Big Hands, Manchester – Fri 30th July
The Peer Hat, Manchester – Fri 6th Aug
Little Buildings, Newcastle – Fri 27th Aug
The Castle Hotel, Manchester – Sat 4th Sept

 

 

 

 

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