Adventures In Stereo

ADVENTURES IN STEREO is a Scottish two piece formed by Jim Beattie, former guitarist in early PRIMAL SCREAM, and his girlfriend Judith Boyle. Elefant released the band’s eponymous album in Spain, with a different sleeve and an extra track.

ADVENTURES IN STEREO have been referred to as “nostalgic for an age yet to come”: with a romantic spirit and a modern approach which could be called retrofuturist lo-fi, they pick varied, exquisite influences ranging from girl vocal bands from the 60’s to surf music or psychedelia, easy listening or even rockabilly. All of it is thoroughly cooked in the studio (Jim Beattie is sort of a Phil Spector, or a Gary Usher, for the 90’s), with a modern attitude which could even be considered as surf-hop, and a slightly grey layer which soaks in melancholy their colourful melodies and harmonies.

The musical concept is not revivalist at all. On the contrary, they give new life to their 60’s influences with a fresh, daring approach: the precious melodies slide along repetitive, persistent foundations, there’s no choruses, the songs are very short and direct, and the changes are few. ADVENTURES IN STEREO’s debut is like a notebook, a compilation of beautiful ideas caught from the wind, a minor classic with unfinished songs that become charming for that very reason. It’s impossible to ever get tired of this record: it’s magic enough as to combine eternity and immediacy, spontaneity and skilled work.

Discography in elefant:
ER-1032 “Adventures in stereo” CD 1997