band info



THE SOMATICS

LAST DAYS IN AN OLD TOWN   BUY 
Release Date: 25th Jun, 2001
Cat No: DISCO0106
Format: CDS

As the reviews have already said, life after Ultrasound was never going to be easy. That troubled band could - should - have been a giant full-stop in the history of rock music. That was before they collapsed under the weight of expectation and their own intensity.

Guitarist Richard Green, the man behind those wild, turbulent flourishes of glorious noise, is back, infused once again with the magic of pure, classic pop. Alongside wife Stephanie (bass and vocals) and drummer Bruce Renshaw, Richard has formed a beautifully symmetrical musical machine, still touring the giddy heights but now with a lighter touch: The Byrds, Sandy Denny, The Smiths, even legendary fellow Leeds band The Mekons get a look in. Hypnotic and as fresh as a summer breeze, debut single `Last Days In An Old Town' circles and swoops with gorgeous psychedelic grace, Steph's vocals surrounded by Richard's characteristic guitar play, making even the most complex fret patterns seem easy and alive.

Fans of Ultrasound will not be disappointed by The Somatics' new sound while newcomers will be smitten by their delicate pop touch and mesmerising atmospheres. As far as returns and reinventions go it's an undisputed success.