An occasional feature between now and mid-December. There will be ten albums in all, and maybe having read what I’ve had to say, and listened to a few tunes, you might like the idea of suggesting something to Santa. It’s not a rundown or a Top 10 – the latter would be just too difficult to try and do.
On The Intricate Inner Workings Of The System – The Bug Club
In which I have to say a huge thank you to The Robster. It was his guest posting back in June of ICA #368 which first alerted me to the very existence of The Bug Club.
He referred to them as being one of his and Mrs Robster’s favourite local bands, helpfully explaining that they had acquired a large cult following over the few short years of their existence, gained coveted airplay and live sessions on BBC radio, had released 10 singles, two albums (one of them an ambitious double), two EPs, three things nobody knew how to describe, and a live album of exclusive material under a different band name, all since 2021, and while playing 200+ gigs a year.
The ICA proved to be a great listen and a mental note was taken to keep an eye on things. A couple of months later, I’m browsing in one of the indie record shops in Glasgow city centre when I spot an album by The Bug Club. Turns out it was the new one The Robster had referred to in the closing sentence on the ICA, with the band having signed to Sub Pop. The debit card was fished out, and I went home with what is described as ‘The Loser Edition’ of On The Intricate Inner Workings Of The System on orange marble vinyl.
It looked great as I placed it on the turntable. How did it sound? Well, I couldn’t say as that was when I discovered my amp had suddenly developed a fault which meant whatever was being played through the turntable, CD player or indeed the DAB radio couldn’t be heard above a dreadful buzzing noise. It took a few weeks to get it all fixed, and it wasn’t until early October that I finally got to hear the record, albeit I had dipped in and out of a few tracks via YouTube. (I don’t have any streaming services at all).
I sent an email back to The Robster the next day, the summary of which was:-
“It.
Is.
Superb.
Hints of so many acts I’ve loved over the decades. Violent Femmes. Jonathan Richman. Lovely Eggs. HMHB.”
As with Viva Hinds, this is another short record, with eleven songs coming in at just under half-an-hour. It’s not quite in Otoboke Beaver territory, but Sam Wilmett (vocals/guitar) and Tilly Harris (vocals/bass) don’t hang around. Once again, I’m delighted to say, there is never any feeling that the listener is being short-changed.
The Robster did finish off his ICA with a link to the advance single for the album.
Lyrically, it doesn’t get much simpler than that. I imagined that most of the album would have been along similar lines, but that was far from the case. They can get quite surreal when they put their minds to it
mp3: The Bug Club – Actual Pain
Anarchy and sympathy entwined in mediocrity. I never liked the way you move. Those conifers are louder than my ten gallon hat. That’s crazy but it’s true. Baby I’m in actual pain. Baby I’m in actual pain. Baby I’m in actual pain and it don’t tickle like the handbook said. Illwill never killed the meaning of the word. I never heard you scream. Magnolia, alpine white or somewhere in-between. Baby I’m in actual pain. Baby I’m in actual pain. Baby I’m in actual pain and it don’t tickle like the handbook said. My life blood leaking on the heavy metal grass. I never stopped to ask your opinion. Sincerely your best friend and ever loving companion. Baby I’m in actual pain. Baby I’m in actual pain. Baby I’m in actual pain and it don’t tickle like the handbook said
And if this one doesn’t put a smile on your face, then there really is no hope.
The Bug Club are coming to Glasgow in February. Tickets have been purchased. It’s the night before Hinds hit town. This 61-year-old is exhausted just thinking about that week, never mind trying to live it.
THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN 
I feel your pain, JC. The Bug Club and Hinds are playing in Bristol on the same night. I haven’t been to a gig by either yet. Which do I choose?!
I still have ‘The Fixer’ on heavy rotation. Cheers again to Robster.
The bug club are great. You will thoroughly enjoy it. On the February tour it will be the 4th time I’ve seen them in 2 years. They never disappoint! Mike
You can never go wrong with a bit of Bug Club… We’re seeing them in Cardiff at the end of February. @Khayem – see Hinds in Bristol, then get the train over to Cardiff a few nights later. Problem solved! See you there.
I was infected by them since Robster’s ICA. At least a band that back fantastic songs under three minutes. I will go out to get me a copy of this. Sadly the will play no gig in Germany.