Heavy on atmosphere with a melodic depth that harnesses Banshees-like percussion against rippling guitar-work and bears more than a passing resemblance to the rhythmic whirl of Warpaint and the siren song of Esben and the Witch, the band known as Deaf Club (relax: it’s just a name) have become an intriguing proposition in the space of a handful of releases.
On first listen you almost expect them to be card-carrying goths, but as revealed in our Q&A (heck, just look at them, a cardigan short of a Sarah Records tea party) this is far from the case. It was their recent appearance on the Too Pure singles club with “Moving Still”/“Lights” that brought the band to our attention and is still a record that we’ve found hard to let go of. So too the desire to find out more…
Can you tell us how the band began and how you decided on the name?
We all grew up near each other and have played in a number of different bands together over the last few years. As a result we all know each other personally and musically and know how best we work as a group. Choosing a name is definitely the hardest thing about starting a new band. Deaf Club was an idea that Polly and Paul had knocking around for a while and was the one we all agreed on.
How would you describe the sound of your band?
It’s always difficult to talk about your own band in this way. We never really aim to sound like any one thing but develop what comes out naturally when we get together to write and build on that. We have been compared to the likes of Beach House and Cure, which is quite alright by us!
What are some of the albums/artists/books/films/authors/etc, that you find a source of inspiration?
It’s difficult to say as we all have our individual tastes and personalities within the band. ‘Pulp Fiction’ is pretty much always our first choice of film to watch together. We all love Rumours by Fleetwood Mac; it’s such a beautiful sounding album and has a real story behind it. Plus there’s some great sing along moments when we’re driving… ‘Just Kids’ by Patti Smith is the most inspiring and moving thing I’ve ever read. I think everybody should have a copy.
What made you first want to make music?
It’s something we’ve all always wanted to do. We’ve always been making music, alongside whatever else we’ve been doing, in different ways and with different people. It’s an amazing way to connect with people and a great release from ‘everyday life’. We all work and study and do other things but playing and creating together is when we feel our best and most natural, like we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing.
How would you describe the band’s first live show?
Our first real gig was in a friend’s kitchen. I don’t think any of us remembers much of that night but there was definitely rum and a Mexican wrestling mask involved.
Can you tell us about the last song you wrote?
We’ve written a lot recently. The last couple have been a mix of parts we’ve been playing around with for a while and completely new stuff so there’s quite a nice mixture brewing.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome as a band so far?
We’re all really spread out across the country; Paul lives in Liverpool, Jac in Cheltenham, Sian Leicester, Tom and Polly in London. It can be difficult to get us all together and we can’t spend as much time with each other as we’d like. When we do get together though, we know how important that time is so really put our minds to having an incredibly productive time. It also comes in handy when on tour, as we have somewhere to stay wherever we are in the U.K!!
What plans are in store for the band as far as releases/shows?
We go on tour again at the end of October (which we cannot wait for!), kicking off at The Sebright Arms in London on the 19th. Then it’s back into the studio to record an E.P for release early next year.
You’re making us a mixtape. What’s going on it?
Fleetwood Mac
Warpaint
Marvin Gaye
Alt-J
2:54
PJ Harvey
Beach House
Don’t You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds
