Bible - Eureka!

by Anthony Strutt

published: 24 / 1 / 2013

Anthony Strutt examines underrated Cambridge-based pop/folk act the Bible's 1988 second album and major label debut, 'Eureka', which has recently been re-released in a double CD edition

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The Bible were formed in Cambridge in 1985 by Boo Hewerdine and drummer Tony Shepherd. They released their debut album, ‘Walking the Ghost Home’, in 1986 on the indie label, Backs Records. The group then extended to include second guitarist Neil MacColl, the brother of Kirsty, and Dave Larcombe who replaced original bassist Clive Lawson. ‘Walking the Ghost Home’ came to the attention of Chrysalis Records, who signed them, and in January 1988 their released their second album and major label debut, ‘Eureka’, which was produced by country giant, Steve Earle. The band had several minor hits, and they were both critically praised and had a decent live following. They never, however, attracted mainstream interest, and split up in 1989 when Hewerdine left the band. They reformed briefly in late 1993, recording another album, ‘Dodo’, but split up again before it was released (It only finally came out in 2000). ‘Walking the Ghost Home’ was reissued in 2011 and they also played a few live shows at that time. ‘Eureka’ has now also been reissued in a double CD edition, and the Bible are planning another show in London in March to promote it. ‘Skywriting’, which was a single, opens the album with some of the smoothest guitar playing ever recorded. This is joyful music with its crisp guitar lines, elegantly-paced bass and drums that just slip in between the gaps. Boo's vocals are full of hope and have perfect charm, which adds to the song's shine. ‘Honey Be Good’ was another single. It instantly has a good time feel to it, its big production giving it a large sound. It sounded great in 1988 and sounds just as great in 2013. ‘Skeleton Crew’ has a lovely 80’s pop glow to it, and is easy on the ears with a friendly twang to it. ‘November Brides’ is much more poppy and very radio-friendly. ‘Cigarette Girls’ is a perfect slice of acoustic pop. The other members of the band’s backing vocals add sugar onto the honey-flavoured vocals, while the limited drums sound Indian-flavoured, making this one hell of a track. ‘White Feathers’ is a fresh summertime pop number, and ‘Crystal Palace', which was another single, is a similar slice of perfect, crisp 80’s fun. ‘The Wishing Game’ is the best record Aztec Camera never made, a call to the crowd, and in being a song also to the lonely and to sway too it has it all really. ‘Red Hollywood’ has a slow, laidback vibe, and is jazzy in feel. It also features a guitar solo that is reminiscent of Pink Floyd in the mid 1970s, while Boo’s sorrowful vocals recalls George Michael. ‘Tiny Lights’ has a massive ‘Top of the Pops’ feel, although they never appeared on it. ‘Blue Shoes Stepping’ is a well-paced number with a sad feel. ‘Up in Smoke’ ends the album, and is a brass-filled slice of mellow pop that sounds like a 1960’s film theme. The second CD meanwhile collects together singles, B-sides and other rarities. A perfect underrated album.