Umlaut - The Bands After The Split: Situationists and Johnny Rocket & The Bang Bangs
2 Comments Published by Tom on Monday, April 10, 2006 at 15:18.
Umlaut were a short lived band from Sheffield who split after their only single Winter Coat was released last year. This was a shame as 1) I have only come across the band - boo! 2) The single and the band got some pretty good coverage and 3) they have a lot of elements that would of excited the jangle and indie-pop crowd. But it wasn't to be. However that does not mean the tracks are not worth investigating.Umlaut - Winter Coat
Umlaut - Professionals
More tracks to download and stream here and here. You can buy higher quality digital versions of the single from Karama Download. The record has sold out via the usual outlets but there a few still available on e-bay.
I'm not sure why the band split but as a result two bands have emerged from Umlaut's ashes and by the different brands of music they play I think I can guess that there were differences or two! One is Johnny Rocket & The Bang Bangs whilst the other are Situationists. Of the two the latter may well be of interest as they stick closer to the Umlaut sound. Yes there is a bit of the trade mark sound of their city mates Artic Monkeys but like another Sheffield band Balor Knights the band also manage to fuse sparkling indie pop to their music which sounds so much better and fresher for it. Enjoyable and one to keep your eye on for the future. The former's only track available is a bit more in your face garage. Situationists - Under The Pavement
Johnny Rocket & The Bang Bangs - Be My Cartoon
More Situationist tracks available to download and stream from their My Space Page.
Tags: Umlaut Sheffield Music C86
Hi,
I stumble here irregularly, but I am so glad you've written about Umlaut. I play 'Winter Coat' every time I DJ in Newcastle, and they always go down a storm.
I've started a paper fanzine called 'The Cuckoo Press' and written a short, and very un-informative article about how this blog introduced me to C86, and how music is moving back towards a C86 sound now.
I'm so surprised really, how alike bands are from 1986 and 2006. I'm starting a new club in Newcastle called The Tuesday Club celebrating this, with brand new indie-pop and C86 DJs, as well as live bands.
Really, I just want to say thanks for getting me into this.
Let me know if you're ever in Newcastle and fancy coming along to the Tuesday Club. Can I send you a copy of the fanzine too?
thank you again
debbora xx
www.myspace.com/cuckoosnestnewcastle
nice to hear people still dance to our music. johnny rocket is dead but check out my new wanky improvisation stuff: http://www.myspace.com/hansblixandthemormontuberculosischoir