The Brilliant Corners

The Brilliant Corners sound like the quintessential British indie underground of the mid-1980s. It is music built on a foundation of nervous, jangling electric guitars and a rhythm section that feels perpetually on the verge of speeding up. There is a distinct 'Bristol' warmth to the production, balancing the brittle treble of the guitars with a melodic, driving bass presence that keeps the songs grounded even when they lean into their more whimsical tendencies.

What truly sets them apart is the vocal delivery of David Woodward and the band's willingness to embrace the absurd. While many of their contemporaries were strictly somber, The Brilliant Corners integrated elements of British farce and dry humor into their songwriting. The frequent addition of a bright, staccato trumpet provides a soulful, almost northern-soul-inflected counterpoint to the standard indie-pop template, creating a sound that is both shambolic and surprisingly sophisticated.

For those new to the band, 'Somebody Up There Likes Me' or the 'Everything I Ever Wanted' compilation are the best places to start. These records capture the band at their peak, showcasing their ability to write infectious three-minute pop songs that are equal parts cynical, romantic, and fiercely independent.