Popolo: The Great Northern Trendkill

Feature by Lauren Mayberry.
Published 01 September 2009

Come on now, admit it: since the dawn of time there has existed an unspoken elitism which decrees that any act hailing from further north than Kilsyth can't possibly be worth the bus fare. But scores of stellar bands from those cities have pricked The Skinny's ears in years gone by, from the burgeoning Copy Haho through fly-by-night victory rockers Laeto to the sadly defunct Avast! and Alamos. While the Glasgow/Edinburgh unsigned music power dichotomy may still have the better access to labels and venues, it seems having a finger in the proverbial pie, regionally speaking, is not always necessary. See Exhibit A: Popolo.

The Dundee natives have commenced their ascent nicely, supporting Dananananaykroyd and 65 Days of Static, and playing with Frightened Rabbit at Lofi Studios’s Christmas party last year. Such bragging rights are usually reserved for those who've been around the block a few times, learning the ropes after years of soul-crushing toilet gigs. The interesting thing about Popolo is that they've only been in existence for a hair’s breadth over a year, with no former musical projects on the CV to boost the contact list. “The band was born out of a rekindled high school friendship between myself, Robbie and Glen when we were reunited for Glen's nineteenth birthday outing, having met no one at uni we felt we could make music with,” explains guitarist Thomas Ogden. Drummer Matthew was recruited via similar school day connections, recollecting the bedroom recording of comedy Eastenders themed anti-war songs in more impressionable years.

Since then, the tunes have taken a more artful turn, the four piece producing what they describe as 'instrumental rock with personality'. “I think the fact each one of our songs has its own individual, usually playful feeling is the most positive facet of the band, given that many instrumental bands are straight-faced, ten-minute, serious jams,” says Ogden, aiming instead to cut the gratuity back to an essence. “I don't know what that says about us as songwriters but it's an extremely satisfying way of working, economising every riff and not tiring them to the point of boredom.” Indeed, this concerted effort to move the gaze away from the naval pays off for the audience too: “To date, I haven't noticed a significant crowd depletion during our set,” the guitarist asserts.

Given the lack of vocal presence, the band accept the inevitable Battles comparisons, the instrumentation leaning towards Deerhoof or Foals, though Ogden is keen to stress that Popolo’s efforts are too early in their evolution to seriously accept such claims.

Now, it seems, Popolo are starting to find their feet, making plans for new releases and still finding time to light a fag for Tricky. “Friendship Injection is a demo we did with Nick Roan in February intended as a guide track for more recordings,” Ogden explains, adding that an EP is definitely in their imminent plans. “The aim is to write and record the new songs, above anything else. There are of course bands we'd love to support like Young Fathers or No Age, but at the moment playing live isn't a priority - if the songs aren't good enough I don't think any of us are keen on presenting them as a fair reflection of Popolo.”

So, guitars slung high, Popolo set to work to produce something worthy of themselves, which shouldn't be too hard if their progress thus far is an indicator. And they do hail from the City of Discovery, after all.

Comments (6)

Add a comment »

  • Nice one, The Skinny. "Anywhere other than the central belt isnae worth going to". It's that lazy, lacklustre approach to music journalism that proves that the Skinny is not worthy of Scotland's incredible overall scene.
    There's something exciting happening in a lot of places other than Glasgow, and if journalists like yr good self would pull their fingers out and even attempt to give fair coverage then we might see more recognition of Scotland's scope as a starting point for fucking great bands.

    Popolo being one of those bands. On yrsel's boys.

    Posted by Fakes | Saturday October 2009 @ 13:20

    Report to moderator

  • Oh and you're the good guy who travels the land seeking out fresh talent in every other town and telling the world about it, yeah?

    The Skinny covers the Scottish scene more thoroughly than most I'd say and there's an acknowledgment in this piece that people need to see beyond the threshold of the central belt. Seems to me you've never read the magazine till now, you nasty little man.

    Posted by Jamie | Saturday October 2009 @ 13:36

    Report to moderator

  • Fakes and Jamie: Perhaps Fakes' comment was harsh, but it didn't warrant a personal attack.
    The Skinny's coverage is certainly more comprehensive than most, but that's not to say it isn't Central Belt-centric. I've heard many people say that. And much as Fakes' views are reactionary it would be a positive step if the Skinny got more proactive at seeking out fresh bands outside of its usual territory.

    Posted by Danby | Monday October 2009 @ 02:39

    Report to moderator

  • The central belt is a barren land. No good music comes from the central belt. None.

    Posted by Alfonso | Monday October 2009 @ 10:25

    Report to moderator

  • Fakes: if you'd actually read the article, rather than glancing at it and making assumptions, maybe you would see that it was saying that the idea that only crap bands come from up north and aren't worth a look in is unfair. Seriously, man. Read the first paragraph again. I don't really get why you're having a go at this guy, when they're writing about bands from areas that you think are being ignored? I agree with you that overall the coverage could be a bit broader, but surely this kind of article is the type you want? Talk about biting the hand that feeds... Given that most of the Skinny writers write for free (I think?), it seems pretty aff to lay into them for trying to get exactly the diverse coverage you are supposedly craving. These message boards seem to have become a place for faceless commentators to have personal digs at a lot of the writers on here, and to be honest, it's becoming pretty boring. From what I can tell, it is a perfectly alright article which you appear to have entirely misinterpreted, and gives exposure to a deserving band which you apparently like, so I am struggling to see where you are coming from... Sorry, pal.

    Posted by Richard | Monday October 2009 @ 16:26

    Report to moderator

  • Totally, man. It's that lazy, lacklustre approach to reading that seems to be causing you problems, mate. This is a good band with loads of potential, who shouldn't be being discredited this kind of nonsense.

    Posted by Andy | Monday October 2009 @ 16:29

    Report to moderator
Leave a comment on this article