SQUID
New EP ‘Town Centre’ out now on Speedy Wunderground
Available on vinyl 15th November
The hotly tipped post-punk, disco-funk phenomenon Squid are back with a new EP called ‘Town Centre’ which out today digitally and 15th November on vinyl via Dan Carey’s Speedy Wunderground label, the first EP from the legendary singles label. ‘Town Centre’ is a perfect distillation of everything they have done so far, making good on the angular funk of ‘The Dial,’ the disco-punk of ‘Houseplants’ the ambitious songwriting of ‘Terrestrial Changeover Blues’ and through to their more ambient-leaning early work.
Kicking off with the ambient sprawl of ‘Savage,’ Squid are instantly revelling in the uncertainty and ambiguity found in the searching out of ideas and have created something that feels meditative yet active, capturing their alluring chaos but presenting it in a totally different manner. Next up, the propulsive, guitar-led ‘Match Bet’ was written at guitarist Anton Pearson’s parents house in Norfolk and spawned from an open tuning fingerpicking pattern that sparring partner Louis Borlase had been developing after being inspired by the Don Edwards track ‘Coyotes’ in Grizzly Man.
On ‘The Cleaner,’ Squid are at their angular best, the lyrics are inspired by moving to London and trying to adjust to the pace and lifestyle of the city. The track is bursting with ideas, and there’s a clear energy and determination within the band to embrace different musical styles, deftly. ‘Town Centre’ closes with ‘Rodeo,’ a cinematic track that features an observational monologue from Ollie Judge. Percussion and keys wunderkid Arthur Leadbetter says of the track: “The song is a story for us. One that feels like you’re on a movie set while the camera is rolling, but the lead actor has lost the plot and split his mind between those closest to him.”
For ‘Town Centre’ the band once again team up with producer du jour Dan Carey and emerge with a powerful, intensely angular collection of songs that recall the finest corners of late 70s post-punk alongside a propulsive motorik drive and glimmers of early noughties disco whilst expertly making it all their own.
Dan Carey on Squid. “I love Squid so much. To record with them is such a joy – the room is a sea of ideas and enthusiasm without any clashes of ego; every suggestion is given full attention. This , combined with their musicianship results in beautifully inventive music, underpinned by a hard steady groove and topped with lyrics that are important and surreal.”
Squid have built their name on the back of a run of fine singles and their incendiary live shows which displays an energy and conviction that is positively transcendent in its chaos and fever. ‘Town Centre’ is the most complete body of work they’ve created yet and is not only an enthralling listen, but also serves as a compelling blueprint as to what they can achieve.
Formed in Brighton, Squid is the brainchild of Ollie Judge (Drums & Lead Vocals), Louis Borlase (Guitars & Vocals), Arthur Leadbetter (Keyboards and cello), Laurie Nankivell (Bass & Brass) and Anton Pearson (Guitars & Vocals).
‘Town Centre’
1. Savage
2. Match Bet
3. The Cleaner
4. Rodeo
SQUID DATES
Thur 12 Sep – All Our Tomorrows, 100 Club, London
Fri 13 Sep – Leffingeleuren, Leffinge, Belgium
Sat 14 Sep – Hop Pop Hop, Orléans, France
Mon 16 Sep – Muziekodroom, Hasselt. Belgium
Tue 17 Sep – Roodkapje, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Wed – Sat / 18 – 21 Sep – Reeperbahn, Hamburg, Germany
Sat 12 Oct – Tenement Trail, Glasgow, UK
Sat 19 Oct – Future Days, Birmingham, UK
Sat 19 Oct – Simple Things, Bristol, UK
Sun 20 Oct – Swn Festival, Cardiff, UK
Mon 21 Oct – The Shipping Forecast, Liverpool, UK
Tue 22 Oct – Yes, Manchester, UK
Wed 23 Oct – The Picture House, Sheffield, UK
Thu 24 Oct – Elsehwere, Margate, UK
Fri 25 Oct – London Calling, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Sun 27 Oc Tunbridge Wells Forum, Tunbridge Wells, UK
Fri 1 Nov – Pitchfork Paris, Paris, France
Wed 6 Nov – Village Underground, London, UK with Warmduscher
Thur 7 Nov – Roundhouse, London, UK with Metronomy
Fri – Sat / 8 – 9 Nov – Primavera 20th Anniversary Weekender, Benidorm, Spain
Sun 10 Nov – Sonic City, Kortrijk, Belgium
Mon 11 Nov – 02 Academy Leeds, Leeds with Metronomy
Wed 13 Nov – SWG3, Glasgow with Metronomy
Sat 16 Nov – 02 Institute, Birmingham with Metronomy
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