Bricolage 'Bricolage' album

The symbiotic relationship between Glasgow and an indefinable, distinct breed of extraordinary pop is a subject of limitless fascination. Virtually from the moment the legendary Orange Juice transformed the once barren Scottish metropolis into a wellspring of tuneful, literate, joyous music, special new bands have continued to flow from its environs. From the early-’80s explosion that begat Altered Images, The Pastels and many others, to latter-day heirs such as Teenage Fanclub, Belle & Sebastian and Franz Ferdinand, the city is as synonymous with the abstract notion of ‘indie’ as Detroit is with the Motown sound or New York with early punk. And now, with the release of their self-titled debut album, Bricolage rightfully take their place as part of Glasgow’s peerless pop lineage.

Bricolage - Graham Wann, Wallace Meek, Darren Cameron, and Colin Kearney - formed in late 2005, united by their love of Postcard Records’ evergreen “Sound of Young Scotland” and similarly iconoclastic post-punk heroes including Vic Godard and Fire Engines. In less than two years, the band released three 7-inch singles and toured solidly, sharing stages with the likes of the above-mentioned Godard, a reunited Fire Engines, Franz Ferdinand, even the Sun Ra Arkestra.

Bricolage, the album, is the realization of those singles’ huge promise. Produced with sparkling economy by former Altered Images guitarist Stephen Lironi, its dozen tracks are the product of its influences, but also a path beyond them. From the swooning romanticism of “Plots are for Cemeteries,” to the lovesick giddiness of “Turn You Over,” to the Northern Soul-style stomp of “The Waltzers,” this is pop full of melody, verve and wit - for a modern world that is about to discover how badly it needed it. Bricolage may be a new strand in Glasgow’s ongoing musical history, but for Bricolage themselves, this is where their own stunning history truly begins being written.

Bricolage press quotes
“They’re the most exciting post-Franz band, with wit, style and memorable tunes, and are an awesome live act.” - SoundsXP

“This is easily the fizziest C86 edged pop to bubble by for a while, with spiky Vic Godardesque tunes and vocal harmonies to lose yourself in and get your toes tingling.” - Spacelab.tv

“..possesses a refreshing air of vitality that actually sounds like the artists have made an effort to write a catchy tune rather than simply bludgeon the listener to death under a halo of white noise.” - Drowned In Sound

Bricolage biography
Bricolage started playing live in some of Glasgow’s seamier environs at the tail-end of 2005, perfecting their louche and stylish Postcard / Vic Godard - influenced uplifting pop over the early months of 2006. By the summer of 2006, live dates had seen them play live with an eclectic array of artists (including Fire Engines, Long Blondes, Sun Ra’s Arkestra), which helped build up a following.

A debut 7” single on white vinyl, Footsteps, was released on esteemed Lanarkshire subversive pop label Creeping Bent in June 2006. This record received widespread support in the press and on radio, which resulted in considerable record company interest.

Bricolage began 2007 by releasing another 7” single (Looting Takes the Waiting Out of Wanting), this time on the Fantastic Plastic Records. 2007 saw lots of touring, including dates with Franz Ferdinand, 1990s, and Vic Godard & the Subway Sect. A third Bricolage 7” single (The Waltzers), was released on Memphis Industries in Sept 2007.

Bricolage release their eponymous debut album on Creeping Bent on Jan 26th 2009. The album has been produced by former Altered Images mainstay Stephen Lironi, and features 12 songs that emanate a cinematic and literary glow that illuminates late night tales Glasgow’s West End.

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Bricolage - Bricolage