As the country bakes in current heat wave, we thought we’d bring you one of the coolest bands to come out of scorching London, Blindness.
The trio are set to release their fervently anticipated debut LP, which is already heralding critical acclaim and rightly so too.
Two of the band, Beth Rettig and Debbie Smith, answer our questions:
Bio:
DS: Once upon a time there were three girls who decided to join the police academy, and they were all assigned very hazardous duties. But I took them away from all that, and now they work for me. My name is Charlie. No, wait...
Members:
Beth Rettig (vocals, programming)
Debbie Smith (guitar, noises)
Emma Quick (bass)
Influences:
DS: Siouxsie & the Banshees, Small Faces, Gang of Four, Bo Diddley, Slits, alcohol & general cantankerousness
BR: Kate Bush, Patti Smith, Curve, JAMC, NIN and loads of other acronyms
Sounds Like:
DS: Our deepest darkest urges battling each other in a sonic death match
Current release and where it's available:
DS: 'Wrapped In Plastic' album. Available online from Saint Marie Records, our website and from Big Issue sellers nationwide
Up and coming artists you would recommend:
DS: Cauldronated, Deux Furieuses, Bete Noire, Shepherdess. All completely brilliant in different ways. Check 'em out.
BR: What Debbie said. Also Feral Five, Francois Sky, A*Star
Future Plans:
DS: To record some more of our newer material as soon as possible. We decided to put the older songs that we wrote in a different incarnation on the album and then record the newer songs we've written with Emma. We thought that mixing and matching old and new stuff on the recent album would be confusing. Not least to me. I'm easily confused.
Tour Dates:
DS: We've only got the album launch gig in London planned at the moment as we're raring to record (see my answer above). It's also hard to plan a tour when we have to work, but if we get interesting offers we'll definitely consider them.
If you were the prime minister for one day, what would you do:
DS: Not sure you could do much in one day, but I'd try and sort out the rampant economic inequality and bigotry inherent in our society if I could. And have a massive party.
BR: Apologise
If you could go back to any time in history, where would you go and why:
DS: Twenty minutes ago, because I know I had a brilliant idea for a riff but I can't remember it now cos I'm having to think about writing this.
BR: 30s Mississippi to see Robert Johnson play.
Is there anything you would like to say to our readers:
DS: Keep on keeping on. And be lucky.
BR: Don't back down.
Links:
Website
Facebook