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Gerry Mitchell & Little Sparta - "Scalpel Slice" Album Released: 13 Feb 2006
Scalpel Slice is the debut release from the intriguing collaboration between Scottish poet (and former photographer of the year) Gerry Mitchell & multi-national experimentalists Little Sparta. Seven tracks that introduces the gritty and compelling poetry of 'skyscraper househound' Mitchell and his backing band - recently described as "William Burroughs Meets The Dirty Three".
These recordings feature Susie Honeyman of the Mekons joining the band on violin, guest vocals by Vicky Steer from Blanket, and concert flautist Leisa Norman.
Little Sparta started in the late 90's and is named after the garden of Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay. The band has varied sounds due in part to collaborations with various artists as well as having diverse musical tastes. At the core however is an international four piece with members from New Zealand, The US, Canada and Scotland. By coincidence all share a Scottish background - what this means no one is sure of.
A track from their surprise split with New York band 'Liars' features on the WIRE TAPPER (December). The split is part of the much talked about Keep Mother 10" Series
These recordings feature Susie Honeyman of the Mekons joining the band on violin, guest vocals by Vicky Steer from Blanket, and concert flautist Leisa Norman.
Little Sparta started in the late 90's and is named after the garden of Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay. The band has varied sounds due in part to collaborations with various artists as well as having diverse musical tastes. At the core however is an international four piece with members from New Zealand, The US, Canada and Scotland. By coincidence all share a Scottish background - what this means no one is sure of.
A track from their surprise split with New York band 'Liars' features on the WIRE TAPPER (December). The split is part of the much talked about Keep Mother 10" Series
"A Poetic reflection of a bombed out summer in London"
WIRE
"William Burroughs meets the Dirty Three"
WIRE
"bittersweet and unpretentious. 7/10"
PITCHFORK
"Heartbreaking"
TERRASCOPE
"One of the best poetry-cum-music albums I've ever heard"
AMPCAMP
"Moving and beautiful, and definitely worth the experience"
INDIE WORKSHOP
"a consistently captivating album"
GIGWISE
"Nick Cave meets Irvine Welsh"
ATOMICDUSTER
"oddly seductive"
NEW NOISE
"Keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Recommended."
LEEDS GUIDE
WIRE
"William Burroughs meets the Dirty Three"
WIRE
"bittersweet and unpretentious. 7/10"
PITCHFORK
"Heartbreaking"
TERRASCOPE
"One of the best poetry-cum-music albums I've ever heard"
AMPCAMP
"Moving and beautiful, and definitely worth the experience"
INDIE WORKSHOP
"a consistently captivating album"
GIGWISE
"Nick Cave meets Irvine Welsh"
ATOMICDUSTER
"oddly seductive"
NEW NOISE
"Keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Recommended."
LEEDS GUIDE