Scotland Yard Gospel Choir: Not a gospel choir, or detectives for that matter
It was about three years ago that I first encountered Scotland Yard Gospel Choir. I found a song on a blog that probably doesn’t exist anymore and was hooked. The song was called Then And Not A Moment Before, which sounded something like Belle and Sebastian on a caffeine high. Investigating the band at the time, I’m sure I recall stories of band friction and came to they conclusion that they weren’t doing much together. Now, either I’m imagining things (quite possible) or they have sorted themselves out, as all I can find now is an active band that is now putting the finishing touches on their second full-length.
Scotland Yard Gospel Choir sound like a band trying to be everything to everyone. Upbeat jangly pop, catchy melodies, unexpected instrumentation, words that seem simplistic one moment, and then abstract the next. It could all too easily be a mess that collapses down on itself, but somehow it manages to hold it’s direction.
Aspidistra perhaps isn’t their strongest track, but it is one of the more memorable. Launching an assault on the eardrums that doesn’t let up for it’s two and a half minute length, detailing our narrator’s past dabbles in the drug trade. All set to a wonderfully cheerful melody and the obligatory handclaps.
Scotland Yard Gospel Choir’s self-titled album is available via Bloodshot Records.
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