Shred Yr Face III: Espers

Barely a year old, this autumn's third <b>Shred Yr Face</b> tour segues on from the successes of previous DIY dream teams which featured Los Campesinos!, No Age and Times New Viking, not to mention February's zero BS punk rock combo of The Bronx, Fucked Up and Rolo Tomassi. The Skinny profiles two of the three bands comprising this leg's 'psych-folk' contingent before they roll into Scotland. Here come <b>Espers</b>...

Feature by Dave Kerr | 06 Nov 2009

Name and occupation:

Meg: "Meg Baird, guitar, etc."
Greg: "Greg Weeks, Support Staff at French Creek Elementary School."

Had you heard of the Shred Yr Face tour prior to being asked to play this third outing? If so, what was your perception of it?

Meg: "This is my first exposure to this event. The name first made me think of the Dead (Kelly & Mouse skull illustrations) and text messages."
Greg: "Can't say that I had."

What has been your experience of the other bands on the bill prior to joining forces now?

Greg: "I haven't heard either of them, I'm afraid. I live in a cave."
Meg: "I first saw Woods play a fascinating set at the (now closed) Big Jar Books in Philadelphia. I bought their At Rear House LP and listened to it pretty obsessively. I think that no one is this band has any idea who I am (based on experience from going to subsequent shows--one even at Espers bandmate Brooke’s house), so hopefully this isn’t creepy."
Brooke: "I love WOODS. They played at my house for my last birthday party! Photos here."

The two previous tours have been particularly punk rock, though there seems to be much more of a psychedelic folk leaning this time, so to speak. In a dream situation where you could add a fourth band to match the vibe - be they from the past or present - who would it be
and why?

Greg: "Earth and Fire because they have a guitarist with a huge beard, a super talented and hot lead singer, and a Mellotron/Hammond player that kills it."

You’ve travelled a long way from home to Shred, what do you hope Scottish fans will bring to the party on the night?

Meg: "Their ears."
Greg: "Lots of energy and foam pointer fingers like they have at sporting events."

Espers play Shred Yr Face III at Stereo, Glasgow, Fri. 13 Nov / Electric Circus, Edinburgh, Sat. 14 Nov

http://www.myspace.com/espers