I witnessed a gig by Exeter band the Computers the other night and was pleasantly surprised to hear a current rock band with a different look and attitude to the generic emo/heavy rock that currently proliferates. They describe their music as being like a kind of hardcore Elvis Costello with elements of Black Flag and Rocket From The Crypt, but i also hear influences like the Jesus Lizard and John Spencer Blues Explosion and the Hives in there somewhere. They are also unbelievably tight and polished in an aggressive punky way. Song titles like ‘Teenage Tourettes Camp’ and ‘Love The Music, Hate The Kids’ suggest a suitably post ironic attitude and an endearing refusal to take themselves too seriously; they even have musical punchlines to complement the humour in the lyrics. Its good to see a rock band with such a refreshing approach; The Computers even address image and stage show by making an effort in a way that few UK bands bother to try; on the night I saw them they resembled rockabilly zombies, wearing white jeans and t shirts, white pan stick make-up and quiffs.
With a live session for Radio 1 under their belt, releases on Fierce Panda and Freakscene, and a UK tour currently underway, hopefully it won’t be too long before everyone has heard of The Computers and had a chance to enjoy their blend of exciting, attitudinous rock and roll. Check out their myspace for more information: http://www.myspace.com/thecomputersfromexeter