So far, this series has largely focussed on the early years of the False Dots and the stories that emanated from them. It may or may not surprise you to learn that the band have done more than half of the gigs we've performed since we got back together in 2000, following our hiatus from 1990. Of these around two thirds have been since lockdown. We've recorded two albums, releasing one last year and we've had more radio play etc than in the rest of our career. Whereas in the first five years of the band, we had over thirty members, since lockdown, we've had three, rising to four when Tom Hammond joined on trumpet in 2023. The stability of our line up has made it far easier to do gigs. When the band is constantly churning members, a lot of time is spent getting new members up to speed and familiar with the set. Another issue, especially true of vocalists, is that different songs suit different people. When Venessa left in 1984 and Allen joined in 1985, only one song survived the cull, Action Shock, which survives to this day!
The band are now on the cusp of finishing our new album. Things like a title and artwork need to be thought about. We are a very different band to the one that entered lockdown. Allen Ashley, who had sung, departed as the country opened up. I took over vocal duties. We recruited Tom Hammond to "play a bit of trumpet on a couple of numbers". Tom has become our secret weapon and will sing four of the songs on the new album. He has given us a range and variety of options that we've not had for a very long time, both musically and vocally. I am as excited as I've ever been about the music we are playing and that is really saying something. I think I'm pretty good at an Ian Duryesque presentation of a cheeky song, but Tom is far more tuneful and has a better vocal range, so this means we can introduce a few songs that simply wouldn't have worked. This has made the set infinitely more interesting. It has given us the opportunity to introduce a slow, moody song which I simply couldn't have done justice to. Tom has a very different take to me on delivery, so it means that our set can be a hell of lot more interesting.
On Sunday, we launched our new single Groovetown (which I sing for clarity) at The Dublin Castle. The whole set got an amazing response. The new material means we can pace things a bit better and not singing also gives me the chance to play the guitar in a slightly more intricate way on a couple of numbers, that again broadens the sound. As a band, I think it is always important to be excited by your own music. Let's face it, if you don't like it, no one else will! Our new album will see Tom fully integrated into the band. The soings were mostly written with him in mind, or were given a new arrangement to work better with him, whereas the last album had a couple of bolted on brass parts, that sounded great but were perhaps a bit rushed.
The brass arrangement on Groovetown is perhaps the piece of music that I am most proud of in the last year. I'd been listening to the Average White Band for inspiration and I think it shows. I spent a couple of hours chatting to Tony Gleed at Dublin Castle Radio and spinning a few of my fave songs recently. It is a blast, have a listen (you have to register for a free trial but hey ho, it is worth it) CLICK HERE. Have a listen to the new track here. I think you might like it!
Next Gigs
Saturday 5th July - Jester Festival - Fortune Green, West Hampstead - 4pm (TBC) - Free entry
Saturday 12th July - The Builders Arms, Barnet from 8pm with DJ Rebska - from 8pm - Free entry
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