Whatever you want to call it, the acid house inspired indie scene of the early nineties was probably the last that remains not adequately documented – no social media, no proper mobile phones, no internet – you had to be there and even then, photos, videos and arrest records are now long confined to history.
Music archaeologists then should find at least some interest in Hello Flower, a collection of demos recorded by Joanna in 1990 as seemingly the prelude to their breakthrough. Four lads from woolyback territory (Leigh, Runcorn, Widnes) who were once hailed by the all powerful NME as ‘the most popular band without a record out’, the path to major label glory was however eventually blocked by a calamitous London showcase gig. They split a year later.
Now fished out from someone’s loft, the tapes make for an interesting half an hour or so. As you might expect the mix is primitive, but Tyrone Holt’s guitar features prominently, giving the likes of If You Don’t Want Me To and Weather Vane some groove, whilst Mr. Sunshine was clear Top Of The Pops material if it had been placed in the hands of a producer with some skill.
Hello Flower is a time capsule of a music which has left little trace other than that made by the usual suspects. Were they destined for success, or do they deserve to be remembered by just these tunes? Now, you can decide.
You can read a full review here.
The Voice Of Unreason 