Depois de ouvir e ouvir novamente e após algumas outras tantas audições, cheguei a conclusão que o título do último trabalho dos ingleses do Picturebox faz completo sentido, "Songs of Joy" exemplifica em palavras o que é a banda.
Canções tipicamente inglesas, conexões com Blur, Kinks e Beatles claro, melodiosos, harmônicos, suaves, sarcásticos, e com aquele inegável senso britânico sonoro.
O Picturebox pode facilmente ser chamado de Brit Pop, o que faz todo sentido a essência dos caras, mas o tal "brit pop" no caso dos caras é altamente prazeroso.
O Picturebox pode facilmente ser chamado de Brit Pop, o que faz todo sentido a essência dos caras, mas o tal "brit pop" no caso dos caras é altamente prazeroso.
***** Interview with Picturebox *****
I've used the name Picturebox for musical things going way back into the 90s, but this line-up goes back about 2 or 3 years, around the time I got involved with Gare Du Nord Records. I've played with Ben (gtr) from the start, Ian I met drumming with Robert Rotifer's band when I was playing bass. Guitarist Alex has been a fixture of the Canterbury/Whitstable scene for ages.
Q: Who are your influences?
It kind of depends when you're asking. I've always loved The Beatles, people like Blur, Belle and Sebastian, Pulp, Syd Barrett, The Canterbury Scene, Brian Wilson, REM... Really hard to say. Easier to say who isn't!
Q. Make a list of 5 albums of all time…
The Beatles (White Album) - The Beatles
There's A Riot Goin' On - Sly & The Family Stone
Control - Janet Jackson
Parklife - Blur
Oh Mercy - Bob Dylan
Q. How do you feel playing live?
I've been getting into playing live more in the last couple of years. It's always different, even when you're playing somewhere you've been before. It's different every time. A few songs have bits for improvising built in but even the more arranged ones are never exactly the same. If you get bored easily, that's a good thing. It's always fun playing live if you can get it together. Being flexible is a good idea. Flexible and adaptable.
Q. How do you describe Picturebox sounds?
It's all pop. I'm a pop fan. Pop with funny sounds and funny words sometimes perhaps, funny haha and funny peculiar, but it's always pop. Probably quite British sounding.
Q: Tell us about the process of recording the songs ?
Often I'll start something, then get Ben and Alex in to add bits. Or I'll get a track going with Ian and go from there. It depends on the song and what needs to be on it, really. Sometimes it's a mixture of home and studio recording. It's important to have as much freedom as possible and not get stuck doing the same things over and over again. Whatever makes the song or tune work is the right thing.
Q. Which new bands do you recommend?
Well, Papernut Cambridge are great but I'm in them. FXU2, doing a GB lo-fi version of soul,funk & disco, but I'm in them too. We've played with Pit Ponies a few times and I like them a lot. Very heartfelt and soulful, energetic, 'Upminster Soul', they call it. Definitely see them live if you can. Meilyr Jones is nothing like any of the above and he's brilliant.
Q: Which band would you love to made a cover version of?
That's a tricky one. Pulp, maybe. We've done the odd Pulp song live, here and there. The Wombles?
Q: What are your plans for the future?
Keep on keeping on. Don't stop 'til you get enough. Hopefully, carry on recording and playing gigs with Picturebox, but also with the other people I'm involved with, and even new set ups that aren't even thought of yet. Do more music, better music. There's a single I've done with Deerful, who is also on Gare Du Nord and is very talented, which should be out soon. That's the next thing which will be appearing.
Q: Any parting words?
Love and mercy. Be nice. And thanks very much for getting in touch.
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Thanks
https://picturebox.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Pictureboxmusic/
https://twitter.com/pictureboxsongs
https://vimeo.com/picturebox
