|
The
band are:
Michael Branagh
- Drums/Vocals
Bob
Fairfoull - Guitar
Tom Nicol
- Bass/Guitar/Vocals
Scott Smith
- Guitar/Vocals
Degrassi
emerged on the live circuit in the year 2000 and have since been a formidable
force both on stage and in the studio. Building up a fierce reputation
for vibrant and intense live performances, it was a only a matter of months
before their biting sound of versatile complexities met the approving
ears of BBC Radio One legendary DJ John Peel. On hearing their first studio
recording (an unreleased 4 song session) he promptly offered the band
their first Peel Session which was recorded in January 2001 and broadcast
the following month to warmly enthusiastic praise live on air from the
aforementioned respected host himself.
As time moved on the reviews piled up, each one better than the previous
one from the likes of Melody Maker, The Scotsman, The List, The Evening
News, NME.com, all voicing their eager approval in additional to countless
fanzines, webzines and underground publications. A 2nd invitation to the
John Peel Show followed and a live session was recorded and broadcast
in February 2002 shortly following by sessions for the BBC Session in
Scotland's Evening Session and BBC Radio Scotland's 'AIR' programme (hosted
by Vic Galloway, another one of the first campaigners of the Degrassi
cause).
The Debut EP 'Terminal Ocean' produced by Michael Brennan (Super Furry
Animals, Mogwai, The Beta Band, Sleeper) was later released on underground
independent Scottish label SL Records and reaped much critical acclaim
and went some considerable way to breaking down the various boundaries
and pigeon holes that many reviewers had struggled to confine the band
into. The new e.p. ‘ The Form’ has also just been released,
recorded again with Michael Brennan and Dub panda released on SL records.
Degrassi have played with bands including Snow Patrol, Faust, Wayne Kramer
(MC5), Sluts of Trust, Terra Diablo, Franz Ferdinand, Ballboy to name
but a few. Two T in the Park appearances upped the ante in boosting
the band's live profile that had already attained the eager attention
and anticipation of many audiences and critics alike. After 2 tours with
Cinerama (EX-Wedding Present Frontman David Gedge's current outfit) and
the 80's Matchbox B-Line Disaster the band had a swift line up re-shuffle
and drafted in ex-Idlewild Bassist Bob Fairfoull on additional guitar
duties in December 2002. A recent tour of England has just been completed
including playing with Ambulance Ltd and Bellx1 at Alan McGee’s
Death Disco (a fresh campaigner for the band, writing favourable reviews
and playing on his Radio One show along with Edith Bowman, Jo Whiley,
Steve Lamacq and Zane Lowe. The band headlined a prestigious gig at that
this years music industry conference MusicWorks in Glasgow as well as
well as highly successful slot on the MTV EMA showcase bill.
BBC Radio 1 Session in Scotland - Vic Galloway 'After a significant line-up
change and directional move, Edinburgh's Degrassi are now better than
ever & have completed a new recording with Michael Brennan (Mogwai,
Super Furry Animals etc), Think of Idlewild's hooks, Mogwai's post-rock
soundscapes and New Order's timing and synchronisation and you're approaching
where the band are now coming from. Tremendous stuff.'
Playlouder in the City/In the City, The Printworks, Manchester. (15/10/03)
Down at the Printworks there is a storm brewing with Degrassi. If Bob
the bassman had left Idlewild possibly because they were not punk rock
enough then he should be happy here. The Edinburgh-based crew have been
around a couple of years and have honed down their punk pop-fused rush
to perfection... great hooks rise out of the intense riff action, all
driven along with a high energy rush. Degrassi are definitely one of those
bands that leaves you wondering why they are not much bigger. John Robb.
Extensive
list of reviews can be found in reviews section on website.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/alt/johnpeel/sessions/degrassi_20020227.shtml
http://www.nme.com/news/103984.htm
http://www.logo-magazine.com/singles/display.asp?SingleID=1464
|