Atlantica - 01.06.2001, Side 18

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16 A T L A N T I C A
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Rather than lamenting the circumstances
that brought the Propellerheads bandwag-
on to a standstill, both band members
have given that turn of events a positive
twist. For them, it’s been an exercise in
‘keepin’ it quirky’.
But these quiet years have to have offered
them a good opportunity to reflect on the
music industry with it’s tag-along media
circus. Do they enjoy the full shebang, or is
it just something they deal with so that
they can get on with making music? “I
would say that the media has been part of
our catalyst,” comments Will. “A lot of
people have been behind us and we’ve
had some really good press.” Alex agrees:
“We’ve been very fortunate in that we’ve
encountered some very cool people in the
media - and towards Wall of Sound (their
label) and forgiven their occasional...con-
stant lapses. We certainly don’t fall into the
hounded class by any means.”
This is the Propellerheads’ fourth visit to
Iceland, and the gig’s promoter (and
owner of independent record store
Hljómalind), Kiddi, had estimated that before this latest gig, four per cent of the popula-
tion here had seen the band play live. Add to that the 6,000 that watched them at
Laugardalshöllin, and they must be headed for double figures. Not bad going. The lads
obviously aren’t averse to partying here since they didn’t turn in until 07.00 on the
Saturday night of their stay, but what else attracts them to Iceland? “There’s a lack of
guile in the whole place,” explains Alex, “and it seems like people listen before they
judge, and appreciate you coming,” adding as an afterthought, “We sell more records
here, per capita, than we do anywhere else in the world.”
But when will the Propellerheads release their next album? “Our main mission at the
moment is to get the songs and beats to work together convincingly,” says Alex, “and I
think we’re getting very close. This is definitely the long-awaited, difficult, second
album.” “And it doesn’t help having the Atlantic between us,” adds Will. But nonethe-
less, great progress has been made, including a duet sang by Rufus Wainwright and K.D.
Lang, and vocals by Joey Aras in the spirit of Billie Holiday, but with an unconventional
treatment (of course).
So, the Propellerheads are poised for take off again, or will be in a few months time or
so, and are returning with an innovative approach to music. They are lovely lads, which
is besides the point in a way, but they deserve all of the good fortune that awaits them.
So keep your eyes and ears peeled.
Will White
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