Former Bullies – ‘Planetarium’
‘Manchester Standards’ sounds like a tongue-in-cheek turn of phrase used by Mancunians after either witnessing or performing something inspired. I can just imagine it being shouted in the aftermath of a particularly incredible football goal, an impressive pint-downing session or the description of a tasty-looking love attraction clocked by the beady eye of a lustful and impressed local.
Anyway, enough of that, as Manchester Standards is, in fact, the title of a fabulous vinyl compilation (including Temple Songs, Brown Brogues, Gnod, etc) by wax pressing enthusiasts Only Joking Records in which today’s featured artist has been plucked from… introducing the Former Bullies.
It seems strange to ‘introduce’ the Former Bullies as the band aren’t exactly new on the scene, so to speak.
Despite supporting the likes of Joanna Gruesome and the fantastic Oakland-based indie outfit Shannon and The Clams on their respective tours in 2013, they’ve managed to slip under the radar for the most part.
Like the true intentions of most worldwide governments, they have remained scandalously unknown until recent times.
Here, we’ve gone for ‘Planetarium’, one of the group’s older and arguably best tunes. Former Bullies diligently deliver another of their typically lo-fi delights while wonderfully carving the classic chorus of 1960s girl pop group the Dixie Cups’ ‘Chapel of Love’ into the mix. It’s great; you could even say it’s ‘Manchester standards’.
You can listen to the Former Bullies via Bandcamp or check out their site, which includes information on upcoming gigs and other related activities.
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