The Homosexuals / Melody Nelson

Customer reviews
Press release

A split EP from the originators of DIY art punk and a dark psychedelic power trio may seem like an unlikely proposition, but more common ground is shared between these art rock trail blazers than meets the eye. The Homosexuals are led by Bruno Wizard writer of such classics as "Hearts In Exile", "Neutron Lover", "Astral Glamour", and "Walk Before Imitate". Formed from the ashes of the Rejects they did their first gig at The Roxy in January 1977 supporting The Damned and The Vibrators. In the following five shows they played with Wire, Generation X ,The Jam and Sham 69. The band's work during this period would lead to their recognition as a pioneer of D.I.Y., along with such bands as This Heat, Desperate Bicycles, Swell Maps. Their angular guitars, complex melodies, and experimental leanings distanced them somewhat from the punk rock being created by their contemporaries and has cemented their reputation as a pre-cursor to post-punk. Doom pyschedelia trio Melody Nelson are the brain child of singer/ songwriter producer Aidan Connell who has established a resume, which has enabled him to share the stage and collaborate with Seasick Steve, the newly reformed Mazzy Star, Peter Doherty, Damo Suzuki (Can) and Razorlight. Using the blues as a template to experiment within the traditional the power trio format, incorporating samples, sound effects and even analogue Synthesizers to create a hypnotic pop art collage, on first listen The 13th Floor Elevators and Lift to experience come to mind. Already esteemed within musicians circles, Melody Nelson’s live performances at their best are regarded as transcendental and inspired. Melody Nelson present the Gainsbourg inspired My Cherie along with four to the floor anthem Son of a Gun, complete with infectious rhythms, feedback drenched atmospherics and unforgettable choruses. Described by Seasick Steve as simply ‘’The Only Rock’ n’ Roll band in town’’ Melody Nelson manifest their uncompromising blend of heavy pyschedelia and down home blues The Homosexuals showcase Slow Guns and Searching For The Perfect Baby one a slice of classic art rock experimentalism and the latter a topical lullaby with apt but oblique lyricism. Already noted as ‘’The best songwriter of any generation’’ by grunge revivalists Tribes, Bruno does it again with these vital tracks that seem more relevant now than ever. These classic cuts represent something truly refreshing in a time where many guitar bands are recycling the same formulas and influences. The two groups similarities are obvious not only in the music contained, this split EP is a taste of a burgeoning new underground art rock scene, complete with gurus ,guitar heroes and a DIY manifesto...The future starts here.