The Clones - Josephine

1. Josephine (30 sec clip)

2.Funny Side

3.St Christopher (30 sec clip)

So far the musical melee of 2005 has thrown up big stories such as a new venue, The KBC's debut single, the Preston Music Collective and the Battle of the Bands. In the midst of all this 'evolving' around the local music scene, you may be forgiven for thinking 'whatever happened to The Clones?' Well here's the answer, a three-track demo offering prior to their biggest show to date.

Anyone who would declare themselves an official Clones fan, and there are at least a dozen, will be surprised at the choice of tracks on their first 'official' demo recording - of the lengthening live set, only one of the songs here is a regular favourite.

Harmonies

Josephine is a typical, lively punk offering during which the singer's voice is at its strongest ever and the band are in full swing pretty much throughout. Chorus line 'Please don't talk about that, not in front of me,' gives way to clever harmonies and backing vocals, which demonstrate just how hard The Clones have been working during their absence from the public eye.

Funny Side is an old-fashioned rant about a lonely unfortunado that sees the throwaway narrative style of The Clash's Jimmy Jazz run head on into the novelty blues style in which The Who excelled.

Tambourines

St Christopher begins as a laid back affair, tambourines and guitars leading into a deep bassline complete with cheeky horns section surrounding a racy, pulsing chorus.

The disc includes none of the commercial pop brilliance of previous recordings, no bass solos or killer lead riffs, but does announce The Clones as serious musicians rather than just ragged good-timers.

It is a steady, if slightly risky record, well produced and each song well compiled. All in all an ideal way to unleash themselves on a largely unsuspecting public.

Written by Dan Jeoffroy

Photography: Dan Jeoffroy