Alphabet Backwards 30th April 2009 – The Hobgoblin, Staines

It is the Hobgoblin, Staines. April 2009. It’s the eve of the end of the world (swine flu, credit crunch and all) and what are the Alphabet Backwards playing? Folksy pop songs. That’s what. All our fears are gently tossed aside as we sink into their faintly nostalgic end-of-the-pier show of merry-go-rounds, ice-creams, summertime romances, handclaps and salty tears. This band takes the gloom and turns it into bloom.

So the seaside shuffle melodies and all the fun of the fair mentality keeps the hungry audience braying for more. This band’s brand of Kieran Hebden type electronica is less poppy and more Avant Garde in its claims-  with those keyboard based rich textures. At times the modulations and fuzzy notes remind me of classic chip chops but with very little glitch- this is more precision based toolcraft. The lightly chiming guitars and the strong pop melodies with their sweetly innocent lyrical content, take me back to Belle & Sebastian and even further, to a folk-pop heritage that evokes memories of The Byrds.

My favourite song from this Oxford based band is ‘Polar Bears’ with it’s folksy strumming chords and icy-cool beat licks from the Korg. The authentic folk-sounding vocals remind me of me of Bowie’s ‘Bewlay Brothers’ but the  pin-point accuracy of the keyboards escalates this song into a newer, fresher dimension.

The band’s new single is also a joy. Played with appealing lines from Bob and enhanced by James, this is a low dependence electro acoustic number of brilliant quality. Like a flawless gem, clean and clear cut.

Much of their work reminds me of the sixties Kinks (Sunny Afternoon) with plenty of picturesque Englishness in their simple sounds and nuances- yet although their work is not overblown nor exaggerated- it is perfectly formed and a joy to be treasured.

Expect a lot more from this rather special little band.

© Neil_Mach April 2009