Glasgow band the Girobabies are following up the successful release of two mini EP's with the release of a much vaunted 300 copy, translucent, milky white LP, Who Took Utopia? on the fiercely indie-pendent Grebo Records which follows its digital debut.
It seems a bit of an epiphany for the band as within the 10 tracks they're achieving a sense of 'all things to all men' and generating a more general soundscape, seemingly drawing on a number of influences ranging from The B52's SAHB and The Rezillos through shades of Velvet Underground and Talking Heads
It's lyrically strong throughout but that's hardly surprising with the Girobabies main man Mark McGhee's previous penchant for poetic socio-political hip-hop and this release should see them expand on their intensely loyal local following and develop a far wider audience.
Bring Potions would have been the single choice for me with its intense Alex Harvey-esque vocal and driving percussion overlaid with Jo D'Arc's plaintive, almost disturbing vocal.
Girobabies are a blend of talented musicians. As well as being the frontman with the Megaphone, McGhee is a renowned poet, writer & spoken word artist under his alias Jackal Trades.
Guitarist Robbie Gunn (also performing solo under the guise of Sun Dogs) is a leading Glasgow producer. A drummer by trade, Gordy Duncan JR is also a well-respected solo artist (releasing his debut album in 2015).
Recent additions of Jess on Keyboards and the Bass of renowned DJ & Producer Jo D`arc (also of the Twistettes) has refined the balance is this multi-talented band of artists. Self-funding everything they do, in the truest DIY spirit, the Girobabies have made a name for themselves by being stalwarts of the summer festival scene and gigging the length and breadth of the UK.
Catch them live on the 19th of December along with a host of other Ralph's Life favourites at the Yellow Movement Christmas Party in Glasgow's St Luke's.