Kugelschreiber may be a new name on the scene, but the individual behind it certainly is not: describing themselves as ‘Part of the Cardiacs Family of bands featuring Sharron Fortnam, James Larcombe and Chip Cummins’, vocalist and bassist, Sharron Fortnam has built up quite a CV, working with Led Bib, North Sea Radio Orchestra, Cardiacs, Lost Crowns and William D. Drake, and ‘Cheerleaders’ debuts songs ‘written essentially for bass guitar and three-part harmony’. And said songs take their inspiration from the world of science, and, as first single ‘(me x u) ≠ (u x me)’, a bit of maths, too, although, as second single ‘Fuck Symmetry’ attests, the relationship is perhaps a little tetchy.
And if it sounds a bit nerdy and a bit off-kilter, a bit whacky… well, of course it is.
And as they outline, ‘In a departure from previous collaborations, Kugelschreiber have created an album of pop songs drawing on influences such as Prince, Abba, Field Music, Broadcast and The Pixies. ‘Cheerleaders’ features cameos from friends and acclaimed artists alike: Mike Vennart (Empire State Bastard, Vennart, Biffy Clyro), Rob Crow (Pinback, Plosivs, Rob Crow’s Gloomy Place), Chris Williams, Liran Donin, Mark Holub and Pete Grogan (Led Bib)’
It seems quite remarkable that these people should come together to work on a pop record, but equally, it’s pretty cool. And so is the end product.
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‘Fuck Symmetry’ – a slice of melodic, motoric, bubbling synth-driven Krautrock – is a fair representation of an album that’s pretty bangin’ – at least if you’re on the market for quirky, harmony-led alt-pop that sort of sounds like Young Marble Giants crossed with Steeleye Span with additional glockenspiel. But even that sells it rather short, and fails to capture the spirit of 2004 post-rock explosion which also feels like a part of the stylistic infusion which makes this album. It’s big on hippy, trippy, folksy woodwind and tinkling chimes. For all the aspirations, it’s rather less funk ‘n’ flex pop than low-key bedroom pop, although to my ears, at least, it’s all the better for it. But it’s big on lo-fi indie groove, strong on melody, and pleasant on the ear.
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