Bricolage / S/t

Slumberland

The symbiotic relationship between Glasgow and an indefinable, distinct breed of extraordinary pop is the object of limitless fascination. Virtually from the moment the legendary Orange Juice transformed the once barren Scottish metropolis into a wellspring of tuneful, literate, joyous music, new bands have continued to flow from its environs. From the early-'80s explosion that begat Altered Images, The Pastels, and many others, to latter-day heirs such as Teenage Fanclub, Belle & Sebastian, and Franz Ferdinand, the city is as synonymous with the abstract notion of "indie" as Detroit is with the Motown sound or New York with early punk.  And now, with the release of their self-titled debut album, Bricolage rightfully take their place as part of Glasgow's peerless pop lineage.   Bricolage formed in late 2005, united by their love of Postcard Records' evergreen "Sound of Young Scotland" and similarly iconoclastic post-punk heroes including Vic Godard and Fire Engines. In less than two years, the band released three 7-inch singles and toured solidly, sharing stages with Godard, a reunited Fire Engines, Franz Ferdinand, even the Sun Ra Arkestra.   Bricolage, the album, is the realization of those singles' huge promise. Produced with sparkling economy by former Altered Images guitarist Stephen Lironi, its dozen tracks are the product of its influences, but also a path beyond them. From the swooning romanticism of "Plots Are for Cemeteries," to the lovesick giddiness of "Turn U Over," to the Northern Soul-style stomp of "The Waltzers," this is pop full of melody, verve, and wit for a modern world about to discover how badly it needs it. Bricolage may be a new strand in Glasgow's ongoing musical history, but for the band themselves, this is where their own stunning history truly begins.  "They're the most exciting post-Franz band, with wit, style and memorable tunes, and are an awesome live act." --SoundsXP   "This is easily the fizziest C86-edged pop to bubble by for a while, with spiky Vic Godardesque tunes and vocal harmonies." --Spacelab.tv   "... possesses a refreshing air of vitality that actually sounds like the artists have made an effort to write a catchy tune rather than simply bludgeon the listener to death under a halo of white noise." --Drowned In Sound

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