The Clean: A Legacy of Lo-Fi Innovation and Influence
The Clean, a pioneering New Zealand band, has left an indelible mark on the world of indie music, with their unique blend of lo-fi DIY spirit and psychedelic influences. From their early days in the 1980s to their enduring legacy, the band has inspired countless artists and shaped the sound of alternative music.
Point That Thing Somewhere Else
This song is a testament to the band's ability to create a ground-breaking sound from minimal resources. The EP's five songs were recorded in a hall, and despite no commercial airplay, it hit No 5 in the New Zealand music charts and stayed in the Top 20 for six months. The song's ecstatic free-range guitar and sprawling sound, combined with Hamish Kilgour's singing-drumming prowess, showcase the band's raw energy and creativity.
Slug Song
In 1982, the Clean supported the Fall on their Hex Enduction Hour tour, impressing frontman Mark E Smith. The EP 'Great Sounds Great, Good Sounds Good, So-so Sounds So-so, Bad Sounds Bad, Rotten Sounds Rotten' is a testament to the band's versatility. 'Slug Song' showcases their ability to create hypnotic, layered sounds with a dinky cheap chimney organ riff and clattering drums, while Kilgour's Dylanesque lyrics caution against complacency.
Franz Kafka at the Zoo
'Unknown Country' (1996) is a departure from the band's earlier work, with a more atmospheric and literary approach. 'Franz Kafka at the Zoo' is a beguilingly atmospheric song with layered dual vocals from David Kilgour and Hamish Kilgour's nonsensical narrative. The song's abstruse lyrics belie its wistful heart-tug, with its spare piano and languid bass line.
Secret Place
'Modern Rock' (1994) introduced new sonic textures to the band, incorporating hammered dulcimer, cello, viola, and mandolin. 'Secret Place' is a bittersweet organ-led song, with Robert Scott's distinctively plaintive vocals. The song's bright tonal uplift and dreamlike pastoral delicacy make it an irresistible gem.
Diamond Shine
'Vehicle' (1990) is the band's first studio album, with a professional sheen while retaining their DIY spirit. 'Diamond Shine' is a shimmering acid-tinged gem, with David Kilgour's fast and loose chippy guitar stylings and Scott's endearingly daggy vocal interjections. The song showcases the band's complete sync with one another.
Quickstep
This live recording captures the Clean's energy as a formidable live band. The song's mangled, sped-up Stooges-like sound and unwavering death disco bass line show their confidence and instinctive dynamics. The live clip from 1982 showcases their ability to engage an audience.
Getting Older
'Getting Older' is a chaotic and dissonant song with a slapstick Buster Keaton-esque music video. The song's intro features a squalling guitar and bass trade-off, crashing drums, and taunting vocals. David Kilgour's lyrics about an unnamed person in Dunedin who is 'shallow, vain, and bored' add a layer of social commentary.
Beatnik
'Beatnik' is an absurdist, good-time anthem with a garage rock classic feel. The song's nonsensical lines and callout in the introduction pay homage to the Rolling Stones and Pretty Things. The band's goofy music video, with their friends dressed up like hippies and beatniks, adds to the song's playful nature.
I'm in Love With These Times
Hamish Kilgour's song 'I'm in Love With These Times' is a sardonic commentary on the modern world, with its clanging motorik beat and janky piano. The song's imagery of shiny cars and shiny buildings, along with its police car and parking fine references, make it a perfect reflection of the times.
Anything Could Happen
'Anything Could Happen' is a laid-back countryfied song with a chord reference to the Enemy's 'Pull Down the Shades'. The song's gently uplifting chorus and imagery of junkyards and empty doorways reflect a Bob Dylan influence. The music video, with David Kilgour's Dylan-like appearance, adds to the song's timeless appeal.
In conclusion, The Clean's music is a testament to their innovation, creativity, and influence. Their ability to create a unique sound from minimal resources and their enduring legacy in the world of indie music make them a true pioneer in the genre.
