The Ampersands return with new single ‘The Pigeon’ after 9 year break from releasing music.
Rarely does a name as abstract as ‘The Ampersands’ so accurately describe an act, but upon exposure to duo Aaron McQuade & Jim Pace’s work, it just clicks.
Every revelation of the band unearths five more layers beneath – whether a track that cycles between genres like verses or the incredible stage antics of the live shows, with The Ampersands audiences, are always left with niggling hook: “and one more thing….”
The quirky philosophy of the duo is for all to hear on their latest single, ‘The Pigeon’. And in true bird-like spirit, this song takes flight through the worlds of Indie Pop/Rock and contemporary disco.
Not dissimilar to the sound of the likes of Super Furry Animals, Vampire Weekend and Foundations of Wayne, this track has it all. It’s layered with the happy jingle jangle of that uplifting indie rock potion we all love to hear, followed by a moment of reflection carried in the simplicity of a piano, vocals and gentle bass.
With a rather erratic structure, it follows the dreams of the song’s hero caught restless between desire and the inability to move on.
Beneath the songs optimistic and fun melody, are introspective and melancholic lyrics; The Pigeon is a unique track that keeps listeners coming eagerly back for more.
The eccentric character of the song would make it stand out on any artist’s discography, but this quality makes it fit so perfectly with the sound of The Ampersands. Their other pieces have been praised for their originality and accessibility, giving music ‘aficionados’ something they can chew on.
“What better way to package such an important message than to place it in a song that may never leave people’s heads after the first time they hear it.”
– Diffuser.FM (on the track Try This Is)
In their early days, the band were well known for outlandish stage antics – letting the audience choose their facial hair, overloading a tiny café gig with a huge synthesiser only to play the ‘Mortal Kombat’ theme.
They’re rather eccentric – covering songs by the bands they were opening for – and this energy translated into their music. In part influenced by the guitar styles of John Lennon and Graham Coxon, the rhythmic overlapping of De La Soul, and the showmanship of Andy Kaufman.
The Ampersands are a duo that keep audiences wondering what the hell is coming next and loving every second of it!
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Words by Chloe Neal