We all grow up, get older – it’s inevitable, unstoppable, and it’s happening to you right now, this very second. Yes it is. But bands, like people, have a habit of doing something else concurrently – maturing. Ahhh yes, maturity. It’s one of those ‘meh’ words that tries to shirk quietly away from the blandness of its true colours. You’ll be pleased to hear then that while The Long Blondes have definitely grown up with their sophomore album “Couples” (the quotation marks are compulsory, apparently), grown up big time, they haven’t matured. No, they’ve become increasingly sophisticated instead. The same thing? Not so. Their version makes optimal use of clean lines, neon style, disco detachment and erudite minimalism, carrying over an efficiently measured bounty of intensity from their debut and funneling it into an improved songwriting flair. From the future electro-punk of ‘Here Comes The Serious Bit’, to the reinforced 60s rhythms of ‘The Couples’ and the breathy pop ambience of ‘Too Clever By Half’, this is a sassy album that tosses aside the impulsive flippancy of their debut in favour of a firm hand. We grabbed a few words with Reenie and Screech ahead of the current tour… Where are you now? What can you see?
Screech: In my kitchen. My laptop screen
Reenie: Reception room 1. A big screen TV. What was the last thing you ate?
Screech: Boiled egg & soilders
Reenie: A scone and a cup of tea. What are you wearing?
Screech: clothes
Reenie: A gold foil thimble. From a chocolate. What is the next album you intend to buy?
Screech: 'Atlas Sound', the solo album by the singer from Deerhunter. I really like Deerhunter
Reenie: A Monica Queen album...when I find it. What was the last movie you saw?
Screech: Juno. Excellent.
Reenie: Juno. Not great! What are you most looking forward to?
Screech: Finding out who the US Democratic presidential candidate is.
Reenie: Spring. What was the last thing you liked that you saw on TV?
Screech: Coronation Street
Reenie: Come Dine With Me. Marmite – yay or nay?
Screech: Indifferent
Reenie: Never tried it. What would you class as your most defining moment?
Screech: Birth
Reenie: 1996. What are your plans for tonight?
Screech: Open
Reenie: Foot-spa, milky drink, bed. “Couples” is released on April 7.
Relevant sites:
www.thelongblondes.co.uk
 
James Berry for Crud Magazine 2008©
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