EUROPE AT HOME
It’s always good to be able to talk about local bands, although only of course when they are any good. The best band around Exeter for a couple of years has been Appliance, and it’s good to see them getting the attention they so richly deserve. Moving on from their two swiftly sold out 10" releases of 1997, Appliance have already hit and run with a 7" on Earworm this year. Thanks to play from Peel, some solid reviews and support slots with the likes of Salaryman and Trans Am, the record sold out of it’s initial pressing in near to one month, which is pretty good going. If you can still find it you’re doing pretty well, and you’d be encouraged to pick it up on sight. Two tracks, ‘Outer’, and my preference, ‘Rev a’, which is a minimalist ‘tribute’ to the Suicide man, with just the right amount of sonic reference to make it personal. A new 12" for the Enraptured label will be out in the summer, with a limited number on clear vinyl. Developing their controlled cool groove, Appliance look set to deliver on the promise of intelligent, divergent rock music. Miss out at your peril.