Andrej and Tim

I often say that I’m going to write more about the “local” scene here in Kent, but I never seem to get around to it. This is because I find most of the bands here wholly uninspiring. Every now and again though I come across one that is doing something different that gets me excited. With that in mind, I now present to you a band from the Sevenoaks/Tunbridge Wells area called . You may think that their name is a little dull, but I’ll allow the guys in the band to field that one:

Our band is called Andrej and Tim, because we consist of a drummer named Andrej and a pianist named Tim. It’s hard to find a band name that doesn’t expose yourself to ridicule. “The Boobies”, “Four Functions” and “Intellectual Plethora” all failed to make the grade. Inspired by a time we had dined out together Andrej suggested the name “The Cooks”, which we briefly entertained, only to realise some second rate indie group was masquerading under something very similar.

Now that’s settled, let me tell you about their music. This is simple, upbeat piano pop. I’m a big fan of the piano and don’t think it gets used enough in indie circles. It’s kind of unfortunate that those who do use it tend to be eternal blandsters like Keane and Coldplay. Anyway, Andrej and Tim bring back the piano in the way that it was used for groups like Ben Folds Five, while making the whole exercise even simpler. While that band had three members which included a bass, Andrej and Tim strip things down to just a piano and drums. Which may not sound all that thrilling but it’s amazing what they are able to do with it.

Both of the songs below are demos, but they show a new band with a lot of talent. These are catchy, literate songs that like to play around with time signatures, meaning you never really know where the songs are going to head next. ‘Iraq’ is the kind of politically aware yet entertaining song that seems to be sadly missing in music discourse these days while ‘Jontan’ is the kind of wonderous upbeat pop number that has a shade of Ben Folds Five at their peak. I know that’s twice I’ve come back to BFF, but it really is a testament to how good these guys are that it’s the obvious comparison.

MP3 Andrej and Tim – Jontan (expired)
MP3 Andrej and Tim – Iraq (expired)

Andrej and Tim: Myspace

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So I had a good clean up of my Myspace friends list the other day. I removed all of the people who had seemingly been hijacked by spambots and all of the shitty bands that had made their way onto there. This means I’m back down to a ‘mere’ 250 friends now. Which may make me sound hugely popular, although at least 90% of those are bands. Still, without the spam and crappy bands messaging me about their crappy gigs, I don’t have a great deal to read on there now. If you’re in a band or just like my little blog in general, feel free to add me. I am fully aware that this may be the saddest paragraph that I have ever posted on this blog.

In more exciting news, the wonderful Indelicates will be playing The Command House in Chatham on Friday 26 January. Not only is this is great because it means a fantastic band is coming to this crudpit, it’s also the day before my birthday. Hurrah!

The Official God FAQ also just might be the most helpful webpage on the internet.

I’ve used “Hurrah!” twice in the past week. Should I be worried?