Rocks In The Attic #115: Whistler - ‘Whistler’ (1999)

Whistler are an acoustic trio, put together by ex-EMF guitarist Ian Dench.

I came across this band when they were supporting Wiiija labelmates Bis at a gig in Leeds. I then saw them a few nights later in Manchester, on the same tour and finally on the acoustic stage at Glastonbury that summer.

It’s definitely nice music - I don’t think anybody would disagree with that - but Kerry Shaw’s posh voice does grate on some tracks. Singing clearly and over-enunciating every word isn’t a great idea when you sound like you come from the privileged classes. The songwriting is very good on this album though, good enough in most cases to ignore Shaw’s vocals; and there’s a massive influence of Nick Cave on this LP, which is why I like it.

Hit: Don’t Jump In Front Of My Train

Hidden Gem: The End

Rocks In The Attic #64: Bis - ‘New Transistor Heroes’ (1997)

I can understand why people don’t like Bis. I wouldn’t even argue about it. Manda Rin’s vocals are grating at best, but their saving grace is that they can write a decent pop song. However, I’m not a fan of this album.

I first caught them supporting Garbage in Manchester in 1995. I wasn’t too impressed - musically they sound okay, and they get a decent sound out of two guitars and a keyboard, but Manda’s vocals are just on the wrong side of the squealometer.

I remember being aware of Bis when I saw them support Garbage - most musos knew about them as a lot had been made of them being the first unsigned band to play Top Of The Pops (which is untrue). I definitely remember them playing Kandy Pop, which was the only song I knew them for, but they didn’t make me rush out and buy their records.

A couple of years later when I was at University, my good friends Robbie and Natalie introduced me to their second album, Social Dancing, which I still regard as an overlooked gem. I ended up meeting the band when they were touring that album, but I guess that story is best saved for another time.

Hit: Sweet Shop Avengerz

Hidden Gem: Tell It To The Kids

Rocks In The Attic #40: Various Artists - ‘At Home With The Groovebox’ (2000)

I think I bought this album as it had a song by Bis on it - and probably because a lot of other decent bands / artists also contribute a song - Beck, Air, Pavement, Sonic Youth and Sean Lennon amongst others.

Essentially, this album is a celebration of the Roland MC-505 - or the Groovebox of the album’s title. In fact, I believe Roland coined the name ‘Groovebox’ for the 505’s predecessor - the 303 - but that’s probably one of the nerdiest things I know.

I wasn’t blown away by this album - the range of artists is so disparate that there’s no cohesion in style, although all the tracks have obviously got the same common denominator of a Roland synth as the driving force behind the composition.

Hit: Popcorn 1998 (Instrumental) - Gershon Kingsley

Hidden Gem: Insects Are All Around Us - Money Mark