Words/photos: Richie Yates
The Room originally formed in 1979 and continued up through the mid 80s before calling it a day. They were mentioned in the same breath as Echo and the Bunnymen and Joy Division and appeared on John Peel radio show. After splitting up member went on to such bands as Dust and Benny profane. They reformed in 2023 and have two albums out on Liverpools 9×9 Records label.
Dave Jackson is an impressive front for the band and with Becky Stringer on bass and original drummer Clive Thomas returning there’s still a feel of original Room sound but it has moved on. That post punk, Liverpool sound is still there and there’s and edginess about them. Musically they are prepared to go in different directions and produce something fresh and original.
Estonias Shelton San are back in the UK on a mini tour. This time the already tight band have a greater edge to them. Songs are allowed to reel out whilst guitars and basslines flow. There’s a solid wall of noise being generated by the three band members and it does sound big.
They are a rock band, grunge may be their main influence but they allow themselves time to explore each song fully and break free from any genre restraints. Drums and bass loop in heavy grooves with expressive guitar work that would fit in well in any psych band. Vocals are back in the mix adding a disembodied feel to their melodies. It all works well together and has a feel of musicians working together to enhance each song.
The Blue Orchids started in 1979 and with a fluctuating membership since then they are focused on constant member Martin Bramah. The band formed when Bramah left The Fall and with several other disenfranchised members started a new project. Like The Room they fit easily into the Post Punk description and like the Room there’s more there than this description covers. After years of on – off activity they have released 7 albums since 2003.
Musically they range from sparse to dense arrangements. There is a darkness about a lot of their sound that some great keyboard and electric Ukulele flourishes dispel as they bring in lighter melodies. Martin vocally is sometimes is almost talking and then ups and hits the notes as songs build up from the more spacious post punk to an almost psychedelic wurlitzer with all instruments firing away.
Links:
Blue Orchids
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueorchidsband
Bandcamp: https://blueorchids.bandcamp.com
Shelton San
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheltonsan
Bandcamp: https://sheltonsan.bandcamp.comWeb: https://sheltonsan.com
The Room
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Room-100063702032127/