Tiña is another success in South-East London’s thriving music scene. Whilst the area is hailed for the supposed rebirthing of jazz, numerous exciting guitar bands have emerged in recent years, some of whom are former members of Tiña: Liam Ramsden (Mellah) Glenn Wild (Sleep Eaters) and Chris OC (Meatraffle & Phobophobes)
Tiña is another success in South-East London’s thriving music scene. Whilst the area is hailed for the supposed rebirthing of jazz, numerous exciting guitar bands have emerged in recent years, some of whom are former members of Tiña: Liam Ramsden (Mellah) Glenn Wild (Sleep Eaters) and Chris OC (Meatraffle & Phobophobes).
Today’s line-up includes members of Uncle Tesco: Adam Cartwright (Bass & backing vocals), Ollie Lester (Lead Guitar) and George Davies (Drums). The recruitment process has been organic says fifth member Calum Armstrong (Keyboards) who also makes music as Pet Grotesque, “we wouldn’t have gravitated towards each other in the first place if we didn’t all feel the way we do individually about life, love and music”.
Brixton Windmill is key to the development of the band and its players. The pub-venue has provided a nurturing space for musical experimentation, with a particular bend “to weirdo sh*t and people with strange personalities” according Cartwright. “It’s a home and community for so many people” says Lester.
That the album was written and recorded in London is “hugely significant”, in a practical sense the LP “would’ve sounded completely different and much more stripped back” had it not been produced within the above “musical community” says Loftin. The lyrics contain images of buses full of lonely people and “dicks in the sky” (perhaps a nod to London’s luxury tower blocks) give us a sense of an alienating city where the pressure to succeed and ‘be happy’ contrasts with harsh realities.
