Isa and the Filthy Tongues - Big Star
by John Clarkson
published: 8 / 7 / 2009

Label:
Circular Records
Format: CDS
intro
Disturbing, but forceful new single from Edinburgh-based post-punks, Isa and the Filthy Tongues
While Martin Metcalfe took a rare turn on main vocals for Edinburgh-based post-punk band Isa and the Filthy Tongues’ first single of the year, ‘New Town Killers’, Stacey Chavis has returned to her regular role as front woman for their second single, ‘Big Star’. The first single was the title song on ex-Skids vocalist Richard Jobson’s recently released fourth film, ‘New Town Killers’, and ‘Big Star’ also appears on a soundtrack, forthcoming Ashton Kutcher black comedy, ‘Spread’. “We can make this Hollywood and you can be a big star,” sings Chavis, her voice tinged with echo. Metcalfe and bassist Fin Wilson’s dark, windswept guitars and Derek Kelly’s rattling drum work are such that it is, however, clear that this is the black underbelly of the Hollywood fantasy, the world of Dorothy Stratten, Lana Clarkson and Sharon Tate in which wannabe starlets and actresses are one way or another destroyed as they pursue their dream. As disturbing as it is compelling, Isa and the Filthy Tongues, whose second album ‘Dark Highway’ is due out later this year, with this forceful latest single, reveal once again that they are a name to be increasingly watched.
Track Listing:-
1 Big StarLabel Links:-
http://www.circular-records.com/https://twitter.com/CircularUpdates
interviews |
Interview (2013) |
![]() |
John Clarkson talks to former Goodbye Mr Mackenzie front man and Isa and the Filthy Tongues member Martin Metcalfe about his new career as a painter and artist and forthcoming musical plans |
live reviews |
Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, 6/2/2010 |
![]() |
At the launch gig for their second album 'Dark Passenger', John Clarkson watches Isa and the Filthy Tongues play an enthralling set of alt.rock, but finds them relying too much on thjeir past rather than present catalogue |
reviews |
New Town Killers (2009) |
![]() |
Exhilarating new single from Isa and the Filthy Tongues, which, featuring several former members of Goodbye Mr MacKenzie, also features the first vocal performance in twenty years from Skids singer Richard Jobson |
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Sukie Smith - Interview
Clive Langer - Interview
Kim Wilde - Photoscapes
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
related articles |
Filthy Tongues: Interview (2016 |
![]() |
John Clarkson speaks to Derek Kelly, the drummer with Edinburgh-based alternative rock trio the Filthy Tongues, about 'Jacob's Ladder', their debut album, which examines the hidden under surface of their native city |
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart