The Rushes
I'm going to write a Christmas tune about the day Christ was born àthat'll shut people up.
| 12 Dec 2006
There are few more idyllic locations than Edinburgh at Christmas. Illuminated by Princes Street Gardens' glistening fairy-lights, the nation's Capital is transformed into a real life Winter Wonderland. From the rosy cheeked bustle of its traditional German market to the seasonal splendour of the Big Wheel, Auld Reekie wholeheartedly embraces the festive spirit.
But in a Royal Mile tavern, far removed from the city's picturesque idealism, The Rushes' frontman Danny Abercrombie is waxing lyrical to The Skinny over a glass of yuletide cheer: "So many folk love Christmas but don't know what it means. Why celebrate it if you don't care what it's about?" he says vehemently. "I'm going to write a Christmas tune about the day Christ was born – that'll shut people up."
Such resolute statements typify a new generation of bands so ravished for success they'll compromise their grandmother for a sniff of a soundbite. But The Rushes are different: their chugging riffs surge with passion; every trembling bassline is charged with emotion; and the gravelled vocals are fuelled with insatiable pride. Instead of aspiring to glorious gratification, the Edinburgh quintet is driven by ardent integrity and a burning desire to succeed.
Fiercely loyal to his Edinburgh roots, Danny acknowledges the effect the city's cultural juxtaposition has had on the band's sonic direction. He says: "Edinburgh has made a massive impact on us. The contrast between the lifestyle of the old and new town captures what we do perfectly. There's two sides to our sound; it's almost schizophrenic, like Jekyll and Hyde."
Paralleling Dr. Jekyll's bipolar behaviour, The Rushes' songwriting displays a creative duality that combines contemplative lyrics with brisk, ascending melodies. Tracks like 'Venom' are laden with introspective verses embedded in a rash of endorphin inducing hooks. "The Rushes epitomise a release in music. It's about building up to a certain point and hitting one moment of sheer intensity," Danny says reticently. "Each song has a vision; a longing for something that's lost - it's quite self-deprecating really."
Having supported artists like The Fratellis and The Kooks, Danny believes the group is close to breaking into the national circuit. "I think we're better than most of the established bands we've played with," he proclaims. "We blew The Boyfriends and New Young Pony Club off-stage. We had so much more energy for the crowd to feed off. We just want to be out there playing to those crowds and getting that kind of coverage."
In seeking this exposure Danny has quickly discovered the calculated nature of the music industry. "To be successful we need to get the right media coverage," he deduces. "The I Fly Spitfires EP gave us a chance to tap into people and we were lucky enough to have it played on national radio stations. But it sometimes feels like a horrible marketing process – I suppose you just need to do it to get the music out there.
As 2006 draws to an end Danny sees the new year as an opportunity to venture into more exotic territories: "We need to get a wee break to progress to the next level" he exclaims. "We want to be playing London, Paris and Amsterdam and to go back to these places to crowds of four or five hundred. Basically, next year I want us to succeed and for people to enjoy what we're doing."
With the festive season in full flow and Santa's sleigh-bells on the way, it's clear what gifts The Rushes want to find in their Christmas Day stocking - let's just hope they behaved themselves this year.
But in a Royal Mile tavern, far removed from the city's picturesque idealism, The Rushes' frontman Danny Abercrombie is waxing lyrical to The Skinny over a glass of yuletide cheer: "So many folk love Christmas but don't know what it means. Why celebrate it if you don't care what it's about?" he says vehemently. "I'm going to write a Christmas tune about the day Christ was born – that'll shut people up."
Such resolute statements typify a new generation of bands so ravished for success they'll compromise their grandmother for a sniff of a soundbite. But The Rushes are different: their chugging riffs surge with passion; every trembling bassline is charged with emotion; and the gravelled vocals are fuelled with insatiable pride. Instead of aspiring to glorious gratification, the Edinburgh quintet is driven by ardent integrity and a burning desire to succeed.
Fiercely loyal to his Edinburgh roots, Danny acknowledges the effect the city's cultural juxtaposition has had on the band's sonic direction. He says: "Edinburgh has made a massive impact on us. The contrast between the lifestyle of the old and new town captures what we do perfectly. There's two sides to our sound; it's almost schizophrenic, like Jekyll and Hyde."
Paralleling Dr. Jekyll's bipolar behaviour, The Rushes' songwriting displays a creative duality that combines contemplative lyrics with brisk, ascending melodies. Tracks like 'Venom' are laden with introspective verses embedded in a rash of endorphin inducing hooks. "The Rushes epitomise a release in music. It's about building up to a certain point and hitting one moment of sheer intensity," Danny says reticently. "Each song has a vision; a longing for something that's lost - it's quite self-deprecating really."
Having supported artists like The Fratellis and The Kooks, Danny believes the group is close to breaking into the national circuit. "I think we're better than most of the established bands we've played with," he proclaims. "We blew The Boyfriends and New Young Pony Club off-stage. We had so much more energy for the crowd to feed off. We just want to be out there playing to those crowds and getting that kind of coverage."
In seeking this exposure Danny has quickly discovered the calculated nature of the music industry. "To be successful we need to get the right media coverage," he deduces. "The I Fly Spitfires EP gave us a chance to tap into people and we were lucky enough to have it played on national radio stations. But it sometimes feels like a horrible marketing process – I suppose you just need to do it to get the music out there.
As 2006 draws to an end Danny sees the new year as an opportunity to venture into more exotic territories: "We need to get a wee break to progress to the next level" he exclaims. "We want to be playing London, Paris and Amsterdam and to go back to these places to crowds of four or five hundred. Basically, next year I want us to succeed and for people to enjoy what we're doing."
With the festive season in full flow and Santa's sleigh-bells on the way, it's clear what gifts The Rushes want to find in their Christmas Day stocking - let's just hope they behaved themselves this year.