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SIAN ALICE GROUP
The UK collective have just released their second eerily beautiful album Troubled, Shaken, Etc and we take a look at the first video to come off it.
HUH: The debut album 59.59 gained good reviews; with the new album has there been a progression with sound and influences?
Ben: The first record was just trying to get every idea we had out. We were just recording stuff with not much of a blueprint.
Rupert: When we started it we weren't quite sure whether we were making an album or not.
Ben: We weren't really in a band, we just recorded some stuff and see what happens. But this time we've formed into a live band. I think the same ideas are there, but this time it's more condensed and direct.
HUH: Where did you record it?
Rupert: I have a studio in London but before I moved in we were just playing around with ideas. At that time Ben and Sian had some ideas.
HUH: How has the live band formed?
Ben: I've known Rupert for 10-12 years and Sian and I are going out. Rupert and me were writing but I started doing some stuff with Sian to try and get her to sing. And then we thought 'why don?t we get Rupert to record it'? Sasha knows Rupert from a long time ago. That's the core but we needed a band that could actually play so we met Eben and met Mike.
HUH: What are you listening to on tour?
Sian: Edgar Winter!
Rupert: And a lot of John Cale. I'm trying to start a night in London where I can just play loads of John Cale records!
Ben: If there wasn't John Cale you wouldn't have The Stooges and Patty Smith.
HUH: What's the plans for summer?
Ben: A few festivals but the block of time between Loop and Field Day we'll get quite busy and sorting out the new album.
HUH: How was ATP?
Sian: Amazing! We got as mashed as humanly possible.
Ben: We didn't get there till Saturday morning. It was that weird sort of thing when you're playing a show, not sure what time it is or what day cause you're trying to load in. And when you finally finish you just get smashed.
Rupert: And we had a lot of friends there as well.
Ben: We had a 45 minute set and played about 3 new gems! They just treat you super well. In London you get treated like crap.
Sian: Our crowd were so accepting. A lot of people at five in the afternoon.
HUH: Is it quite weird by starting as a jamming band and now playing at ATP and supporting Deerhunter and seeing these people really appreciating you?
Ben: It sounds really stupid and naïve but I don't think of this as a full band. And I mean that in the best way. It's amazing cause I'm too old to be doing this, having a great time and doing something that has been a joy.
Rupert: There's a huge novelty factor that hasn't gone yet. And that's great.
Sian: It blows my mind to think that people have our CD. I don't really often think about it. It's quite mad.
Behind the niceties they convey offstage lies an honest brutality in their live performance. Roaring through a half-hour set before Deerhunter, the band is not a stereotypical support group. A mixture of tribal beats, heavy distorted guitars and Sian's gorgeous voice leaves the audience in awe and most of them wanting more. If you haven't already: listen to them. Now.
The New album 'Troubled, Shaken etc.' is out on August 4th on The Social Registry.
Words: Joe Amos
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