Underskog

80 – talls shoegazer legender tilbake i Oslo

Quintessential English indie band formed in 1988.

The Telescopes started out peddling a fearsome noise which owed much to the path laid earlier in the decade by the Jesus & Mary Chain. Their first release was a flexidisc shared with Loop and sold with the Sowing Seeds fanzine, after which came two temperamental singles on Cheree records followed by a deal with the American What Goes On label.

Unfortunately, after a further brace of singles and one album in 1989, What Goes on succumbed to bankcruptcy, leaving the Telescopes to battle for the rights to their own songs and sign to Creation Records.

The change of label coincided with a change in musical style as the group added lighter shades and harmonies to their intense guitar based sound, a development which paid dividends when their 8th single, ‘Flying’ reached number 79 in the UK charts in 1991.

Every sound you‘ve ever heard was but a preliminary exercise for the all embracing maelstrom of The Telescopes

Melody Maker, 1989

Crashing in with ‘There Is No Floor’ the band perfectly captured the noise assault of the early material and it was great to see that Stephen Lawrie had lost none of his venom in the preceding years. Clearly these songs still meant everything to him as he screamed them out whilst rolling around the floor. Fucking great. I look forward to new Telescopes material in 2010.

Dan Wilson, Young & Bossy

http://www.myspace.com/thetelescopes

Initially a three piece in 2007, The Fauns are now firmly established as a live six piece fronted by vocalist Alison Garner.

Last year the band released their highly acclaimed debut album “The Fauns” on Laser Ghost Recordings and have been promoting it with both electric and acoustic shows.

The album features an exclusive remix by Robert Hampson from Loop. Early versions of their tracks have appeared on “The Secret Garden” and Just Like A Daydream compilations.

As their profile continues to grow The Fauns have received air play from BBC Radio 6 s Steve Lamacq and have recorded an acoustic session for BBC Radio Bristol Introducing.

The Fauns have played alongside legendary bands such as The Telescopes, The Durutti Column, Damon & Naomi (Galaxie 500) and The Pastels.

They continue to get high profile support slots recently playing an after show for Snow Patrol.

They are currently recording material for a follow up album which has yet to have a release date.

2011 will see many more dates around the UK and are planning to do more tours following the success of their recent European tour with The Telescopes.

A double vinyl version of their debut album which features an exclusive mix of “Cool Stuff” is now available.

They cite people like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive and Ride as their influences… It’s a very pretty record in some places, quite powerful in others.”
Steve Lamaq (BBC Radio 6)

“The soundtrack to my Saturday”
Ulrich Schnauss

“The Fauns stroke the more ethereal kittens ribboned by Cocteau Twins and mid-period Slowdive, making tracks the likes of Cool Stuff all gorgeous shimmer.”
Record Collector Magazine

“The Fauns’ self titled debut album comes as a superbly crafted, dreamy compilation of tracks that takes the listener on a journey, from the sadness of many melancholic vocals, to the hugely uplifting melodies.”
Jamie Cameron (Is This Music)

“The Fauns’ music is a melancholic nostalgia — not quite sorrow, but bittersweet — encased in catchy pop melodies.”
The Sound Mind

“An impressive debut album from Bristol’s The Fauns, who have managed to combine a swirling mesh of guitars and ambience with enthralling songwriting.”
Robin Allport (Club AC30)

“…The Fauns have it all just right. Gorgeous songs, delicious sounds, glowing textures and a perfect shoegazing delight of a debut album. A glorious celebration of the scene that continues to celebrate itself… Unashamedly influenced and all very early 90’s… this comes highly recommended. “
The Organ Online Magazine

http://www.myspace.com/thefauns