Squid

English

Formed in Brighton, Squid is the brainchild of Ollie Judge (Drums & Lead Vocals), Louis Borlase (Guitars and Vocals), Arthur Leadbetter (Keyboards), Laurie Nakivell (Bass & Brass) and Anton Pearson (Guitars & Vocals). The band released their debut EP ‘LINO’ which mapped out the blueprint for their developing sonic pallet, one that has now settled into a blend of driving motorik rhythms, psychedelic pop and the more polished corners of late 70s post-punk.

This sound was solidified with the release ‘Terrestrial Changeover Blues (2007-2012)’, a song that paired jaunty arrangements with urgent instrumentation and vocals. It was a confident start to the year that found the band really beginning to mould their sound into something more tangible and kinetic. The lyrics dealt with a romanticisation of this analog past in which social anxieties weren’t such a dominant force. These existential musings have become a staple of Squid’s post- ‘LINO’ material and ‘Terrestrial Changeover Blues (2007-2012)’ was the mission statement.

The band recently released latest single ‘The Dial’ through cult label Speedy Wunderground. Label-head-honcho Dan Carey saw the band play the track live, he thought he could help record it with a fresh feel- speeding it up, deconstructing and rearranging it. The results were powerful, showing a band with rapidly growing confidence, creating an intense angular track that managed to recall both Television and LCD Soundsystem whilst swerving all notions of pastiche. The track gathered critical adoration with DIY Magazine claiming, “Squid have shown themselves to be something really special on ‘The Dial’.” It is a truly outstanding track, less Brighton Lanes and more Virginia Plain.