The return of Brett Anderson’s black-clad glam-pervs to active duty has been one of indie rock’s great joys over the last few years. Their early ‘90s role as flag bearers for articulate and English sleaze acted as a flamboyant catalyst for what became Britpop, so their influence lingered even longer than the thrill of their songs. Since their 2010 return they have taken on the mantle of elder statesmen with a story to tell, like soldiers returning from a long and bloody war. And this has given them a platform from which to deliver new music - such as 2013’s Bloodsports - that has been as warmly received as the hits.
For newcomers, all you need to know is that this exquisite glam racket is the product of hard-won experience in the fields of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll, that the drama in the music has occasionally been reflected in drama between the key players in the band - not least original guitarist Bernard Butler, who left in 1994 - and that even though these dramas are in the past now, they will be called up like rampaging wraiths at the first swing of Brett Anderson’s hips.
The return of Brett Anderson’s black-clad glam-pervs to active duty has been one of indie rock’s great joys over the last few years. Their early ‘90s role as flag bearers for articulate and English sleaze acted as a flamboyant catalyst for what became Britpop, so their influence lingered even longer than the thrill of their songs. Since their 2010 return they have taken on the mantle of elder statesmen with a story to tell, like soldiers returning from a long and bloody war. And this has given them a platform from which to deliver new music - such as 2013’s Bloodsports - that has been as warmly received as the hits.
For newcomers, all you need to know is that this exquisite glam racket is the product of hard-won experience in the fields of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll, that the drama in the music has occasionally been reflected in drama between the key players in the band - not least original guitarist Bernard Butler, who left in 1994 - and that even though these dramas are in the past now, they will be called up like rampaging wraiths at the first swing of Brett Anderson’s hips.
