Scotland Yard Gospel Choir (Chicago)
Indie/Baroque Pop
Just by reading their name, one may assume that they’re a gospel choir from Scotland. Not so…but what’s in a name really? When these four nouns are thrown together, they instantly create a memorable phrase, that evokes interesting dream-like images of wonder of what the band may look and sound like. I have never been to Scotland or a Scotland yard, nor I have ever been involved in a gospel choir, but when I hear the music of this band, the name (although it shows no truth or factual info on who they really are), the name just makes sense to me; it seems to fit as perfectly as it can.
In 2001, two DePaul University music graduates, Matthew Kerstein (vocals, guitar) and Elia Einhorn, formed the SYGC and soon after expanded to a quartet with the additions of Ellen O’ Hayer (cello, bass) and Sam Koentopp (drums). Their debut album, I Bet You Say That To All The Boys, was released in 2003. Recorded for free in a music engineering course at DePaul, the ironic song titles and chamber pop musical stylings immediately drew comparisons to Belle and Sebastian. SYGC went on the road in support of this album with The Fiery Furnaces, of Montreal and Jay Bennett of Wilco.
Matthew and Sam would leave the band in 2005, and would go on to form, Brighton, MA, who are also playing MidPoint this year. Founding band member, Elia, would recruit more members, which include Mary Ralph (vocals, guitar), Ethan Adelsman (violin, vocals, guitar), Jay Santana (drums) and Mark Yoshizumi (bass).
For the follow-up album, 2007′s self-titled disc, they cranked up the guitars a bit, although the delicate touches of orchestral pop still remain. They are still often compared to Belle and Sebastian, however they present a crunchier vibe and they write lyrics that are both introspective and beautiful, and raucous and comical. Indie folk pop music for sad sorts.
Their most recent work was recorded at Studio Chicago with string quartets and horn players, on the same mixing board that Prince used for Purple Rain. While they are serious and careful musicians when they’re creating, and one of the better bands who make orchestra pop, they’re having lots of fun still continuing with their dry, sarcastic humor.
On sort of a local note, they called WOXY one the best and most influential radio stations in America, alongside KEXP in Seattle. WOXY is now based out of Austin, Texas.
Check out the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir at the Contemporary Arts Center on Thursday, September 24 at 11:30 pm.
Check ‘em out if you’re into: The Smiths (Morrissey), Pulp (Jarvis Cocker), Belle and Sebastian, Nick Drake, Arcade Fire, Spoon or Camera Obscura
Listen to ’em on MySpace