We Say…
Hailing from the Northern Irish capital of Belfast, Bobsled Team are the duo of Oliver and Kimberley. The band only released their debut single, This Pink Moon, back in July, yet have already caught the ear of BBC Introducing as well as a smattering of the best small blogs around. Last week the pair shared their latest single, Drive.
While Drive maintains the duo’s hazy-production style, the track lurking underneath seems to inhabit a different sphere, with a certain bluesy-twang to the guitars that perfectly contrasts the echoing, Grizzly Bear-like harmonies. The track sits neatly alongside This Pink Moon’s indie-pop influenced sounds, and previous single You’re So Cool, which dialled up the slacker-rock tones to create a slice of fuzz-pop perfection. What impresses most about Bobsled Team is the way they dip their toes into a vast array of styles while still maintaining their own unique sound; even right at the beginning of their musical journey, they’re a band more than worthy of your time.
They Say…
FTR: For those who don’t know who is bobsled team?
Hi! I’m Oliver and I’m joined by Kimberley. We are bobsled team from Belfast, Northern Ireland. The music is kind of dreamy, guitar pop noise. We are totally DIY and wear our heart on our sleeve. And I think this is a good time to thank For The Rabbits for the support. We’re such a fan of the site and all the really cool bands you cover. That’s the beauty of these places, finding a gem you had never heard of before, your writing brings a warmth and charm that an algorithm never can. So, we are delighted to be here!
FTR: What can you remember about your first show?
We have just released our first two singles and planning our debut gig. We are super excited to get out there! Our songs are quite raw and live sounding. We try to record that way as much as possible. Last October, we got to work with Juile McLarnon and her engineer Elise Molle at Julie’s analogue vintage recording studio. They were the first people to hear us play. It was an amazing experience – no screens, just a tape rolling, capturing all the creativity in the middle of nowhere. It was all about the feeling of the song, rather than the perfect take. She taught us so much – a wonderfully inspiring and kind person. We’ve taken that aesthetic into how we record songs now. We are busting to get on the stage when the time is right. Let us know where you want us to go!
FTR: Why do you make music? Why not another art form?
I’ve always had weird melodies and harmonies float into my head. I don’t know where they come from, and I’m always scared that they will suddenly disappear. It’s like they are put there by someone else. I’ve never really told anyone though, until I met Kimberley. She’s an amazing musician, so she kind of gave me the confidence to finally release them to the world. Her input into the songs is invaluable.
FTR: What can people expect from the bobsled team live show?
Big guitars. Cool bass. Drums. Lots of weird melody. We’re probably just as excited to see who will be there. The people checking us out so far all appear to be so quirky and interesting themselves. We think a bobsled team show will be an awesome mix.
FTR: What’s next for bobsled team?
We will release another single and then the album. People are already asking if it will be on tape or vinyl – we hope so as that is how we both listen to music. We are trying to figure that all out. But we are only in this position because of all the kind people from the blogs, magazines and radio writing and saying nice things about us. And the people starting to listen because of that. Thank you
They Listen To…
Pixies – Dig for Fire
We both love the Pixies. A great band.
Laura Mvula – Make Me Lovely (Orchestra Version)
Kimberley introduced me to this artist – such amazing melodies.
Yo La Tengo – Sugarcube
Hipster cool. Love the guitar.
Beach Boys – I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times
We both love melody and harmony – can’t get much better than Pet Sounds.
The Zoltars – Wake Up
A great find from For the Rabbits. A charming, slacker vibe. Love it.
Drive is out now. Click HERE for more information on Bobsled Team.
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