On the radar: :cryoverbillionaires

Published on Wednesday 17 June 2009 13:23

Glasgow's burgeoning music scene flows with nuggets of unadulterated pleasure emerging from its various nooks and crannies. :cryoverbillionaires are no exception: not only a damn good band, but also hardcore supporters of the scene.

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"(The Glasgow music scene is] very promising - there are so many bands out there with lots to offer. We've always loved Glasgow as a city for music," says group frontman Darrell Wilson.

A three-piece alt-rock outfit, :cryoverbillionaires consists of Wilson, his cousin Craig Brown, (bass, backing vox) and Danny Murray (drums, backing vox).

Wilson maintains it was "inevitable" the trio would end up playing together: "We absolutely love music," he enthuses. "We got into going to live gigs when we were younger. The thought of being on stage performing to hundreds was unreal."

This verve overflows into their music, which is unique without being too try-hard; different but not alienating. Their persistent rock is flavoured with elements of dance and seasoned with a determined rhythm section

Unafraid to experiment with unusual instruments and effects, Wilson attribute this to the band's unique edge: "We all play various instruments and we're not afraid to stray from the original idea for the band."

Despite such experimental tendencies, a steady stage presence compliments their solid wall of sound: colourful melody and the echoey drawl that constitutes vocals often jostling for position. Their dramatic mlange of fast/slow, loud/quiet, renders each song continually intriguing while Turbo Rat distortion effects add a hint of psychedelia.

Citing Death Cab for Cutie lyricist Ben Gibbard as an influence, Wilson is quick to return to more local climes by paying homage to Ayrshire behemoths Biffy Clyro: "We have been influenced by them and the way they progressed as a Scottish band. Their music is absolutely genius."

More than happy to laud lesser-known locals like Wehungyourleader and Jocasta Sleeps, Wilson reserves his highest praise for Under the Radar favourites lions.chase.tigers: "We have lots of respect for these boys, as they helped us fit in when we moved to Glasgow," he explains. "They're not only the nicest guys you'll meet, their live set will blow you away."

:cryoverbillionaires are currently touring the Central Belt with fellow budding group The Void, and with many more gigs lined up over the coming months, rest assured that this is one local band who deserve to go on to bigger things.

Like what you hear? Watch :cryoverbillionaires live at the following shows:

1 Jul @ The Tunnels, Aberdeen

4 Jul @ Sneaky Pete's, Edinburgh

14 Jul @ Electric Circus, Edinburgh

23 Jul @ Mad Hatter's, Inverness

Under the Radar: showcasing the best new music in Scotland