Close Lobsters are an indie pop/rock band originating in Paisley/Glasgow, Scotland. Original members include Andrew Burnett, Bob Burnett, Tom Donnelly, Stewart McFayden and Graeme Wilmington. Jim Taylor joined on guitar. Beginning in 1985, the unit has produced some of the best catchy guitar-oriented jangle pop, with a solid rhythm section and a driving beat. The period of 1985 to 1989 saw the band release 2 albums and several singles and EP’s. After taking an extended hiatus in ’89 Close Lobsters reformed in 2012. Since then there have been 4 more releases culminating with 2020’s ‘Post Neo Anti: Arte Povera in the Forest Symbols’. During their tenure the band has recorded for Fire Records, Enigma Records and Shelflife Records. Recently I was able to catch up with front man Andrew Burnett.
Welcome Andrew. I assume everyone survived the lockdown?
All present and correct. We feel a little guilty however given that THAT was the reaction to our releasing a new album after 30 years. Literally days after the release we went into lockdown!
Was everyone born in and/or around Paisley?
You could say that. We are all pretty much products of the Greater Glasgow industrial conurbation and the Scottish/Irish diaspora. ‘Clyde-Built’ to a man! Hard as Tarzans feet. Born on the cusp of that traditional set of qualities now replaced with a new sensibility.
What recollections do you have of your childhood?
Inviting a tree to a birthday party and setting the school on fire.
First single or album you remember buying?
T-Rex Children of the Revolution
In your teens what bands were you into?
The Clash – big time!, Dexys Midnight Runners, The Only Ones.
When did you decide you wanted to be a musician, to be in a band?
Seeing The Clash in impossibly cool-as-fuck mode. We were formed out of a clash, so to speak of that and a new affectation around the early Orange Juice. Something was clearly afoot. Our influences as a group are notoriously broad but we coalesce on things like The Fall and The Go-Betweens to some extent. And other things.
What was the music scene like in Paisley at this time?
Strangely, due to the Glasgow authorities collectively having a stick up their arse, punk rock was outlawed in Glasgow and therefore Paisley assumed the mantle of Punk Rock capital of the West of Scotland. A whole subculture emerged through gigs at The Silver Thread and The Bungalow that then partly spawned a local punk rock scene from which we emerged in a post-punk kind of way.
What bands were you in before Close Lobsters? Anything released?
My first ever show was in a high-school group called The Taxmen fronted by a Beatles aficionado.
Talk about the formation of Close Lobsters.
It was as natural as the days and urgent as the sun.
What influences did each member bring to the table?
From Can to the Skids. From Swell Maps to the Go-Betweens. Too many to say.
Who came up with the name? Can you explain the meaning?
Close- alleyway
Lobsters – to ‘lob’ ie throw
Insurrection
How did the song “Firestation Towers” get chosen for the C86 compilation?
The June Brides didn’t want to do it and recommended us!
Did this help jump start the band’s career?
Think so. To some extent the coverage helped and hindered in equal measure.
Who were some of your contemporaries playing around Paisley during this time?
The Wise Acres, Defiant Pose.
What was the response to your first 2 singles, “Going to Heaven to See if it Rains” (1986) and “Never Seen Before” (1987)?
Pretty good. Still is. Largely.
I am sorry I missed your first album, 1987’s Foxheads Stalk This Land, the first time around. Very solid outing. My comments on a few of the tracks:
On the opening track “Just Too Bloody Stupid”, I like the echo effect on the vocals and the assaulting drums. In fact, I’ve noticed that tight power drumming used across your repertoire.
Again the echo, drums on “I Kiss the Flower in Bloom”, which is my 2nd favorite on the album. Like the tempo.
“A Prophecy” is my favorite track on the album. Nice melody, pretty song.
“Mother of God” should shut up any critic that says you guys can only crank out 2-3 minute songs!
Thank you. Good review.
My first aural encounter with Close Lobsters was the EP What Is There to Smile About. I was impressed with the quality of material. “Let’s Make Some Plans”, “From This Day On”, “Skyscrapers of St. Mirin” and “Violently Pretty Face” all registered strongly with me.
Thank you. This was for the US market initially.
On 1989’s Headache Rhetoric I like “Gulp”. Only criticism is it’s way too short.
It is, isn’t it? If you listen closely you can hear how we chopped it up in production because we thought it too long!
Like the relationship that it recounts.
Absolutely.
What songs on the album are you partial to?
“My Days are Numbered” and “Lovely Little Swan”
Where did you record your albums? Really good production.
John Rivers in Leamington Spa is the magician we go to help conjure up our storms. Aside from being a lovely guy John is a master in the studio.
The band did tour quite a bit. What were some of your favorite gigs? Who did you enjoy opening for/playing with on the same bill?
Personally my favourite ever show was in Hanau near Frankfurt in West Germany as it was then in 1988.
And Columbus Ohio in 1989.
And Madrid 2012….!
In ’89 you guys went on an extended break. Was this the result of a burnout of so much touring?
Pretty much. The harsh reality of life impinged. As much as we love it we were becoming like Spinal Tap.
Forever, Until Victory! was a singles collection. Did this help increase your fan base?
Not too sure. This was the idea of Fire Records around ‘Record Store Day’.
You guys do a great cover of Neil Young’s “Hey Hey My My Into the Black”.
Thank you. Yeah it’s a bit of dust-up isn’t it?
In 2012 you reformed. Was It back to business as usual or were there any kinks to work out after such an extended period?
It all came together remarkably well at the Madrid Popfest. A pent-up release no doubt.
Nowadays for the past few years Jim has replaced Graeme on guitar.
Fast forward to 2020’s Post Neo Anti: Arte Povera in the Forest of Symbols. Ok, that’s a mouthful. Explain the title.
A take on the uncertainty of the times – the ‘end times’ where we look for that after and the new, but in which we assert our resistance. We create music /art outside the glare of the market in what Baudelaire called the ‘forest of symbols’.
I hear a maturity on this release and in my opinion it’s your most fully realized album.
Great guitars on “All Compasses Go Wild”.
“Godless” is my favorite track.
“Johnnie” and “Under London Skies” are great songs.
“Wander Pts. I & II” has to be the biggest departure for you guys from your recognized “sound”. I really dig this one.
Thank you. Yes, its very much more developed all round. Lyrically it is intellectually and instinctively composed.
So what’s new in the Close Lobsters camp?
Glasgow Popfest August 6th 2022 where we will play a set that includes some new stuff. In particular a new track entitled “Stepping Across” which we are excited about.
What about on the horizon?
Recording soon. Hopefully the above track which will of course become an enormous redemptive hit!
Well, thanks so much for your time and best wishes!
Tending The Pale Bloom 