Just last week, I referenced the recently issued, by Cherry Red Records, the 3 CD boxset Something For The Longing (Scottish Independent Pop 1985 – 1999), as having given me a few more names to help keep this series running a wee bit longer!!
The Poison Sisters are another who can be found on SFTL. In their own words:-
Since they first landed on this here planet, The Poison Sisters have built up a reputation for gob-smacking their audiences with their own unique mixture of bone-crunching rock’n’roll, punk bravado, jazz sneakiness, wilful experimentalism, pop sensibilities and tales of murder,lust, loss and lurid duplicity.
Their origins date back to 1989 in the small village of Tighnabruaich (population less than 700) located on the Cowal Peninsula, along the Kyles of Bute some 2 hours from Glasgow via a winding and spectacular road, with the music being courtesy of brothers Sandy and Peter Black with the aid of a drum machine. They are still very much on the go, with their most recent release being a digital single just eight months ago. The band has been based in Glasgow since 1992, and given the length of time involved, it’s hardly a surprise that musicians have come and gone, but the current trio is Sandy Black (Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards), James A. Davidson (Bass/Backing Vocals) and Gordon Brady (Drums and Percussion).
They’ve not exactly been prolific, with just four 7″ singles, five albums and a handful of digital-only releases to their name.
mp3: The Poison Sisters – Chicane
The lead track from an EP that was released in June 1995.
JC
Honestly. Last week Pink Kross. This week The Poison Sisters. It’s all too much.
Hurrah!
The Poison Sisters are one of my favourites. I’ve known Sandy since before The Poison Sisters were birthed and Jim since the following year. Gordon, I got to know a few years later when I saw his band Glen or Glenda – rarely have I been so touched by a band live.
Sandy, Jim and Gordon are the triumvirate of evil doom pop – evil with smiles, naturally. Peter, MAD and a drum machine, I think assisted the band on occasion with the other actual members being drummers Keith and Brad.
The band eventually spawned from the ashes of The Purple Noise Explosion. A band I’m exceptionally fond of. Rather recently raw video footage re-emerged of the Purples playing and goofing about on my roof. I was allowed to tinker with the footage. It was a real thrill for me to capture the time and mood of the people and song. Chuffed.
As my memory is god awful, I can’t say for certain I was at the first Poison Sisters gig but I’m pretty sure if it was in Glasgow, I was there. The band garnered acclaim as a live band at the Kazoo Club. It was there that many of the names that so easily drop from the tongue came to enjoy the band and their very particular style of pop performance. As I’ve noted elsewhere in regard to Something For The Longing the band possibly played the Kazoo more time than any other band. I recall a time percussion support came from a drum machine at the 13th Note. I had to leave the basement. The band finished. As I was returning down the stairs Sandy was coming up. I said “I had to leave the drum machine was too loud, making me feel physically sick”. Sandy: “great!”
Chicane is by far one of their most well-known songs. A powerhouse of punk-pop.
There are parts in the songs that the audience sang back – like a punk-rock pantomime. A killer tune, by a killer band.
If you can find a live version of Deep Red Hurt listen and be rooted to the spot. If a poppier edge is what you’re after then the funtastic Spacedust is for you. I think if they are to be described as anything for posterity it should be as a punk band. Maybe not always musically. Absolutely in attitude.
While JC is correct that the band hasn’t been prolific in terms of musical releases, they were absolutely prolific live. Only a few weeks ago a certain Mr N. MacDonald unearthed a trove of live footage. What an absolute treat it’s been.
During Covid Sandy performed remotely and regularly from his bedroom far away. He had lost none of his showmanship. None of his musical skill. Just him and a drum machine. Special. I’d always intended for myself, JC and Strangeways to watch a show together.
My favourite line-up is what is now the current one: Sandy, Jim and Gordon. The last digital release was Blister My Paint, in 2026.
Thanks, JC. A superb treat for this old duffer.
I was in AWE of the PS; the live events were both chaotic and incredibly soothing at the same time. I can’t explain why. Three musicians of the highest calibre went full-on the entire gig, and when we weren’t roaring around the dancefloor, I was rooted to the spot by THAT voice. They were never surpassed or have I heard the likes again. I’m just glad I was there.
MAD x