Actual Water - The Paisley Orchard (TBA, 2010)

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Actual Water has become, without a doubt, one of my favorite bands of this past decade. In 2008, they self-released their first record, Death Projections, and followed it up with Double Negatives. Both of these albums channeled the works of various German experimental bands as well as the father of ambient music, Brian Eno. On their new album, The Paisley Orchard, they made a gigantic leap, entering a world of mid-80s jangle and 90s brit-pop.

Every track on The Paisley Orchard is both sensational and accessible. The opening track, "Pale Ways" is a garage rock song that blew my mind on the first listen; from the slick guitar riff to the memorizing vocals left me in such awe-- the last time I ever felt such inspiration from a song was when I first heard, "Rock n' Roll Star" by Oasis. One of my favorite tracks on this record is the very Rolling Stones-esque "Brighton" which is based on the book Brighton Rock. It's a simple rock song but it's incredibly addictive. The album closer, "Vari Baby" is a jangly pop track that is nothing short of perfection. It is definitely, I would say, the strongest track off The Paisley Orchard.

I can't seem to find one fault in this record. The ideas here could have been expanded upon, but a half-hour is good enough. I think it's safe to say that Actual Water are the next big band. They're pretty much everything I look for in a band, and I'm quite surprised they have not been signed yet-- hopefully that will change.

[Actual Water Myspace]

Interview: Actual Water

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I recently had the pleasure to interview Gary from Actual Water and asked a few questions about his music, lo-fi bands, and playing shows.

So how did you and Anthony form Actual Water?
We met in jazz class. We had a lovely teacher that was a bit misguided but did his best, given his age. I asked him [Anthony] what he was looking at on his laptop in class and he said Faust. I loved Faust so I asked for his email. Long story short, we formed an early band that was kinda bad, so we renamed ourselves Actual Water.

When you decided to start a band and record Death Projections and Double Negatives, were there any particular bands that inspired you to make the music you created?
Yes, mostly German experimental music and mid 60s garage rock. We were also into ambient music and Brian Eno. The Fall are an important touchstone too, though you might not always hear it. We are all big music lovers!

On your latest release, Leon, had a lot of songs from your past two albums along with a couple of new tunes. Was there a particular reason you released it that way?
Where did you read that? That's not true. Did you find out on the internet, man?

I see that you've just started doing some shows in Toronto. How has that been working out for you?
Pretty good. We have sound problems cause were loud as hell but it all ends up alright, do y'know what I mean?

Do you plan on doing any shows in the U.S. anytime soon? Or maybe even doing a show at SXSW?
We will play for you guys soon. Cause after all, you're our wo...

What I really enjoy the most about your music is that it has a great lo-fi rock 'n' roll sound. Personally, I think you're one of the best bands who capture that. How do you feel about bands like Wavves and No Age who do the same as well?
I think they should stop skateboarding and breaking their wrists do y'know what I mean? Every picture I see of both those bands they're skateboarding. I've never done it so I don't get it y'know what I mean? We don't do that kind of thing in Manchester.

So were you ever in any bands before Actual Water?
Yeah, Ride.

Is there anything you'd like to say before signing off?
Yeah, I didn't enjoy this interview. Can't we talk about MUSIC?

[Actual Water Myspace]
[Buy Leon from Telephone Explosion Records]