Reality is overrated, according to the Long Blondes. From Sheffield, England, this two-boy/three-girl outfit are textbook outsiders whod rather sit in their bedrooms dreaming about film star aspirations or hiding in the shadows of discos, creating dramas starring inebriated dance floor victims. Such is the inspiration for their long-awaited debut album, Someone to Drive You Home. With razor-sharp wit and thrift shop glamour, the songwriting talents of guitarist Dorian Cox and coquettish vocalist Kate Jackson create a universe where Edie Sedgwick is a god and monogamy is punishment. Judging by their postal code and penchant for sexuality, Pulp are an obvious influence, so it makes sense that they hired former Pulp bassist Steve Mackey to produce. The result of this partnership is a stylised pop record alive with the spirit of Blondies charismatic punk, the Slits driving rhythmic strike and Jarvis Cockers thespian flair for storytelling, best heard in the complex affair of "You Could Have Both. The Blondes magic is superfluous. From their pencil skirt and neck scarf attires to rocketing chorus-driven anthems like "Once and Never Again and "Giddy Stratospheres to Jacksons brilliantly painstaking artwork, theyre a band with few weaknesses and a talent for putting a sparkle in anyones eye or ear.
It seems like an obvious partnership but what made you work with Pulps Steve Mackey?
Drummer Screech: Because we were not really musicians, were its not punk but more of a DIY attitude. We always thought itd be interesting for a band that have never made a record to go into a studio with someone whos never produced a record before and see what comes out. We met Steve and because we have a lot of similar influences and taste in music it seemed like a natural relationship, regardless of his history in Pulp.
There has been a lot of focus on Kate as a strong female icon. Does that affect the band at all?
We all get a little frustrated because first of all, shes not the only female in the band there are two other girls. Kate feels it as well. A lot of things that get written about us are to do with "women in rock and how there are more females right now. Its kind of tokenistic to say that and feature a band where there are two other females as well.
Does having two couples in the band ever get problematic?
There arent any couples in the band at all anymore. Does that answer your question? Its fine though, its not Fleetwood Mac.
(Rough Trade)It seems like an obvious partnership but what made you work with Pulps Steve Mackey?
Drummer Screech: Because we were not really musicians, were its not punk but more of a DIY attitude. We always thought itd be interesting for a band that have never made a record to go into a studio with someone whos never produced a record before and see what comes out. We met Steve and because we have a lot of similar influences and taste in music it seemed like a natural relationship, regardless of his history in Pulp.
There has been a lot of focus on Kate as a strong female icon. Does that affect the band at all?
We all get a little frustrated because first of all, shes not the only female in the band there are two other girls. Kate feels it as well. A lot of things that get written about us are to do with "women in rock and how there are more females right now. Its kind of tokenistic to say that and feature a band where there are two other females as well.
Does having two couples in the band ever get problematic?
There arent any couples in the band at all anymore. Does that answer your question? Its fine though, its not Fleetwood Mac.
