Song(s) of the Day # 3,436 Do Nothing

 

In terms of young, vibrant engaged bands the UK seems to have been sold somewhat short in recent years. Unfortunately for me there's been a general lack of ambition, a uniformity, almost careerism, a sticking to a given script which pales by comparison with what's happening, in Australia certainly, but also in some parts of the States, and elsewhere in Europe in terms of quickening the pulse.

There seem to be a default fallback position from the much heralded raft of so called Post Punk bands centered around the Brixton, Windmill scene. The likes of IDLES, Black Midi, Dry Cleaning, Black New Roads et al. Not new roads at all. Old ones. Back to The Fall, Gang of Four, Joy Division, Nick Cave and Free Jazz without the thrill of the new that made all of those things very, very good things first time round.

There was much more to the original Post Punk than this. Just look at the cornucopia of bands and new musics celebrated and itemised in Simon Reynolds history of that original scene; Rip it Up & Start Again. This was an open ended scene. Multiform - defying categories and restraint.

Nottingham fourpiece Do Nothing have an experimental spirit and brio on long awaited debut Snake Sideways that's unusual these days. They don't really remind me of the usual suspects listed above but seem intent on charting their own co-ordinates which is incredibly heartening.

Snake Sideways is a record that I've listened to a couple of times now and it didn't remind me of anyone really though it acts out its dramas in the recognisable theatre of the arty leftfield alternative rock moves, Vocalist Chris Bailey has something of the projection of the young Kevin Rowland about him and I thought about Eighties cbscurities Furniture, though I don't know Furniture too well.

Anyhow it instinctively avoids the obvious and that in itself is laudable. Do Nothing are coming to my neck of the woods in the autumn and this fascinating and intrepid record inspires me wander down when they do.