aaamusic | On 25, Oct 2010

Foreign Office are set to release an ultra limited edition single titled ‘On Repeat’ on November 8^th via their very own label Quiet Life Records.

The single will be available as a limited edition CD, which has been hand stamped and wax sealed by the band.

On Repeat (DREAMTRAK DIAMOND DUB) by Foreign Office

‘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.

The video for ‘On Repeat’ was filmed in 7 hours with director Chris Tirrell in an old textile factory. Although long gone, the site was once home to rows of machinists working long hours producing fabric patterns. The band felt this married with the song’s theme perfectly, so it was chosen as the location for the shoot.

To coincide with the single release, the band will start a monthly club night ‘Quiet Life’ at The Luxe, Spitafields on November 11^th. More details to follow!

Forthcoming live dates:

• October 7^th – Bull & Gate – Almost Famous PRS Showcase – London
• October 13^th – In The City iTUNES Unsigned showcase – Manchester
• November 11^th – The Luxe , Spitafields – SINGLE & CLUB NIGHT LAUNCH – London
• November 19^th – Knowhere Bar – Norwich

The single will also be available via digital download on all the usual suspects (iTunes, Amazon etc) and available via their website www.foreignofficemusic.co.uk