If you’re a fan of American TV shows or have been to gigs in the US over the last 2 years you may have come across Scanners. Their music has featured in the likes of ‘One Tree Hill’, ‘Entourage’ and the new series of ‘Beverley Hills 90210’ as well as movies ‘Endgame’ and ‘Mama’s Boy’. They’ve toured with such names as The Horrors, Air, The Mystery Jets, The Wedding Present and Silversun Pickups. They’ve even appeared on The Carson Daly show.
Not bad for a four piece from London that was formed in 2004.
Originally a duo, Matthew Mole and Sarah Daly played gigs backed by a drum machine. They expanded with the addition of Amina Bates and Tom Hutt and were signed to Dim Mak, a US label. Their debut album, “Violence is Golden” was released in 2006 and was met with rave reviews, receiving airtime with Xfm sessions and Radio 1 plays. These 2 tracks “Salvation” and “Baby Blue” are taken from their second album “Submarine” released in the States in 2010 and released here in March.
If you’ve never heard Scanners before these tracks are a perfect introduction to their music. Like two sides of a coin, listened to one after the other they brilliantly showcase the range available from Scanners. Firstly “Salvation” introduces us to the mean and moody, dark side. Featuring threatening, PJ Harvey style vocals, a pulsing bassline, wailing backing vocals and crashing drums. On the flip side is “Baby Blue”, a catchy, light number with vocals the opposite of “Salvation’s”. Airy guitars and gentle drums help carry it along, building to a wondrous finish that is ideal as a soundtrack for the upcoming spring.
If you want to hear more they’re embarking on a full UK tour in the next couple of months.
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