Hepburns - Deciphering Linear A

by Tommy Gunnarsson

published: 15 / 4 / 2006

Label: Select Label
Format: CDS

Enjoyably straight-forward indiepop on new single from Welsh band the Hepburns, which has been released on both 7” vinyl and a 3” CD within the same package

Review

Welsh band The Hepburns started out as early as in the late 1980’s, and released some records on the great Cherry Red label at that time. Then they disappeared for a decade, and suddenly turned up a couple of years ago on the American label Radio Khartoum (also the home of bands like Nice System, Testbild! and Watoo Watoo). Their last album, 'The Last Thing I Saw Before I Said Goodbye' was released a year or two ago, and even though it was good, it was a little too bossanova based for my taste. Now they’re back with a new single, 'Deciphering Linear A', which is released on both 7” vinyl and a 3” CD-single, within the same package! And as soon as I hear the first minute of the first song, 'What If Everyone Got What They Wanted ?' I can hear that the bossa nova thing has been discarded in favour of more straight-forward indiepop, and I like that. According to the liner notes, this song was recorded in ten minutes with a drum machine, and even though I can hear that, it’s still a good song, and a good production, too. The remaining two songs, 'Chrysanthemum Fountain' and 'Sierra Alpha One Five' are also strong, and I hear that a new album is in the works. If these songs are some tasters from that record, I think it’s looking good!