On the radar: Silver Columns

Published on Wednesday 24 March 2010 12:21

Play: Silver Columns - Cavalier

Scotland's burgeoning musical future has two crucial components: the talented emerging artists, and the forward-thinking independent record labels which nurture them. The Pictish Trail, rigorously maintained pseudonym of entrepreneurial Fifer Johnny Lynch, is of that rare breed who can claim to have a foot in both camps.

In his capacity as musician, Lynch now also comprises one half of electronic duo Silver Columns, who attracted early attention late last year thanks to their anonymity and a trickle of enigmatic tracks that whipped bloggers into a frenzy of excitable speculation.

Meanwhile, along with fellow alibi enthusiast King Creosote, Lynch helps manage the much-loved Fence Records, coordinators of the recent Homegame festival (where Silver Columns made a triumphant live debut) and champions of the likes of UtR favourites Withered Hand, eagleowl and Meursault.

"When I joined Fence Records full time, in 2003, my main objective was to promote my own music," says Lynch, when asked about the relationship between label boss and musician. "Each member of the Collective has their own solo project, and their respective success is entirely dependent on how much effort they, as individuals, put into it."

Early glimpses into Silver Columns' repertoire are indicative of such an effort. Pulsating space organs and breathy call-and-response vocals, respectively recalling the Klaxons and Talking Heads, characterise new single 'Cavalier', while the deliciously over-produced drum rolls that feature prominently on acclaimed debut cut 'Brow Beaten' are reminiscent of early arcade racing games.

Originally published on the Under the Radar music blog

Although Lynch's other unmasked band mate Adem is "a massive fan of the mid/late nineties UK garage sound", the duo's inspiration derives largely from sources closer to home: "I'd say our music has been informed by the music our friends make," says Lynch. "That's always a predominant influence on any musician whether they care to admit it or not."

Beyond the fraternity of the Fence Collective, Silver Columns certainly have the connections to expand outside the Scottish perimeter that can often smother domestic talent: "Down in London we've a network of friends – Caribou, Hot Chip, Four Tet, The Memory Band – who have been supportive of our music."

We'll have to wait until the release of their first album Yes, and Dance in May to see if Silver Columns can fulfil their early promise and join the ranks of such esteemed company. But the odds are getting shorter by the day.

'Yes, and Dance' is released on the Moshi Moshi label on 24 May. The first track, 'Cavalier', is available to buy from 19 Apr.

To date, all upcoming Silver Columns shows are in London. Check their MySpace for details.