The Bed to lyrical rock'n'roll music is what Rococo are to forward-thinking innovative dance music, i.e. they are a fucking huge find! I got in touch with The Bed singer/guitarist Glen Strachan after mulling over a review the 3-piece London-dazed band had in 'The Exclusive' fanzine, a review Glen seemed disgruntled with when I sent him a copy, because in it 'the excuse' for their music is that they still sound like 'an unsigned indie band.' A fact which Glen's quick-sharp to affirm� The Bed are indeed an unsigned band. But I can vouch that no way are they indie-sounding. The Bed harness the sound of sheer excitement and wonder and awe, as 'Hundred Hand Slap' brazenly testifies as it kindly rollocks your bollocks off,' Glen singing 'I've lost what I thought I was born for.' I DON'T FUCKING THINK SO MATE! Clearly this guy and friends were born to rock, before 'Drum Song' deftly introduces one musical element at a time with the focus first on Omar's nifty drum beat, then Chris' bass, before Glen tenderly wets not the bed, but the eyes: 'I could get your tears out of my head.'
This compilation of 6 demo tracks they've recorded over the past 2 years traverses acres in outlining the kind of sound they are striving for, and the type of songwriting.
'Kimberley Waves' has more anthemic rock in order, yet it's no ordinary cannon fodder routine, because this is synth-backed and sublime. Glen's voice laments surreal echoes of Morrissey, as 'Always There' mellows to stunning, cutting poetry of 'The bed betrayed me� Every day we start again� Why's the first time wearing thin?� I feel for my lack of emotion' sort. 'Black Alacrity' rips off your jugular not with its thoughtful lyrics though, but it's totally unique epitome of exhilaration as Chris' gut-busting bass contractions quarrel with a fast beat and dark and deadly chorus of flash thrash, before this demo outing ends abruptly with the short 'Untitled' suicidal waltz of glory.
Whether tender or frantic, this Bed exudes a Smashing Pumpkins-exiled wrath of epic eloquence. Both melodies and words collide so purely there really is only one thing left to do.
Get into The Bed, and stay. (STEVE RUDD)
(Glen admits it's difficult to get noticed amidst London's material headiness, but the good news is that The Bed hope to tour the UK in Summer 2003 with the band I Remember Nothing� so don't forget!)
www.thebed.co.uk TEL: Glen, 07855 934275