Foreign Office ‘On Repeat’ video, Intro interview & new date!
aaamusic | On 18, Oct 2010
The band recently played the Almost Famous showcase at Bull & Gate – here is a great little Intro interview worth a watch:
‘On Repeat’ is the second single to be released from the Hackney based four-piece, comprising of Paul Cousins (vox), George Hume (guitar), James Woodley (drums) and Duncan Hillman (Keys). Whilst plying their trade in previous bands (Roland Shanks, The Pistolas), it was only a matter of time before Foreign Office found their stride.
Developing a distinctive sound, drawing influence from 60’s and 70’s soul and funk, whilst additionally incorporating 80’s post-punk elements, bloggers and critics have since aligned them with bands such as A Certain Ratio, Roxy Music and Talking Heads. Steadily becoming the hallmarks of Foreign Office’s music writing the band take a danceable, groove-based approach with pop sensibilities that are juxtaposed by dark and paranoid lyrics….
And ‘On Repeat’ is a prime example – based on the self-realisation that life is made of patterns and repetition, regardless of any thoughts to the contrary –
Says Paul Cousins of On Repeat’s lyrics:
Guidance is often absent from the people who surround us. (“No-one told me ‘this is your life, you’d better get used to it’’) and everyone is absorbed in their own patterns. It’s important to rely on our own judgment for awareness of our situation. (“I need something to break the monotony”) Although we may acknowledge the need for a solution, if it can’t be found we slip back into repetition and acceptance that we are forever stuck. (“I’m stuck stuck On Repeat”)
The band and producer Amir Amor bonded over a shared love of P-Funk, the influence of which can be heard in the track’s funk driven guitar, tribal drums and party atmosphere. The paranoia and frustration found in the lyrics is offset by the song’s upbeat nature, which rhythmically nods to the African styles which inspired many bands during the post-punk movement.
To coincide with the single release, the band will start a monthly club night ‘Quiet Life’ at The Luxe, Spitafields on November 11th. More details to follow!
