First off we heard ‘Soldier Girl’, a throbbing mass of beautifully woven big love turning up out of the blue like a ray of sunlight for the damned. We were very happy to have it. Then we saw them jammed onto an already extended stage at London’s Camden Monarch, truly a vision of one-size-fits-all salvation in white robes, a cartoon caricature of all the good things you’ve done in life. We were sold. Then we saw them taking Leeds Festival like prophets of something bigger and better then ourselves, the mind-blowing belief and enormity of it all actually bringing a tear or two to our eye. And then when the album finally arrived it only burnt a permanent seal onto what we already knew. This band, like one of those US Christian cable channels – only actually real, will improve your life tenfold*.
And now that people actually know who they are (nay, on some occasions worship at their feet) they can afford to make a video, which is below for your delectation. It’s for ‘Hanging Around’, the second lush single from their stunning debut album ‘The Beginning Stages Of…’ released on October 14. Featuring all 24 members bouncing around inside huge psychedelically coloured polygons it is a veritable visual feast without actually doing very much.
Incidentally, the single also features their cover of David Bowie’s ‘Five Years’ which we’ve seen them do live. It is expectedly wonderful. And you can no doubt see them doing this and more on tour across the UK on the following dates in October. And if you haven’t seen them live yet you really must. We can not state that enough.
Friday 18th – Edinburgh, Queens Hall
Saturday 19th – Sheffield Leadmill
Monday 21st – Nottingham Rock City
Tuesday 22nd – Manchester University
Wednesday 23rd – Brighton, Concorde 2
Friday 25th – Northampton Roadmenders
Saturday 26th – Liverpool University
Sunday 27th – London, Shepherd’s Bush Empire
They have also just launched a new British version of their site www.polyphonicspree.co.uk which is a pretty clash of colours and shapes for one, and you can win an official Polyphonic Spree robe on the other, to really become part of the brother/sisterhood. After all, this is not a band for half-measures.
(* Disclaimer: much like Diet Coke isn’t a guaranteed cure for obscene obesity, a willingness to improve is required before your road to spiritual recovery may begin)
James Berry for Crud Magazine© 2002
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