Discoveries: Public Service Broadcasting (London)

Sometimes compelling music just pops out of nowhere. And while the historical surprises are far, far behind us, it falls on the current generation to keep slipping us a few along the way.

One of those surprises are Public Service Broadcasting. This band comes to us by the eccentric but very talented duo that are J. Willgoose, Esq (guitars, keys, programming, banjo), and Wrigglesworth (drums, percussion). Their brand of art is a fascinating blend of spoken word, a WIDE palette of music that finds such integration of banjo, electronica, and other instruments mixing into an evocative stew of sounds, and, for the concert-goer, visuals to expand the presentation. What makes it good is that a CD of their tracks do not need visuals to be enjoyed, although I bet they enhance the music greatly.

Formed in 2010, they have a full-length out called Inform – Educate – Entertain released in 2013. It is chock full of enticing tracks including their brilliant “Theme From PSB” that incorporates a toe-tapping banjo and drum frenzy. They let the guitars run wild on “Signal 30”.  Also in their bag, are several EPs. Some of those feature remixes, while others feature new music. If you remember the brilliance of media enhancer, Laurie Anderson, then you get an inkling on what Public Service Broadcasting brings to the world of music. It doesn’t hurt to remember a similar duo called Brian Eno and David Byrne, who blended exotic sounds and spoken words on a classic set, My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts.

On February 24, PSB will release a new album on their  own label, Test Card Records. The album is called The Race For Space, and its nine tracks will be released on CD, LP, and DD formats.

Check out their video of “Spitfire” from their Inform – Educate – Entertain album: