Friday sees the live hometown debut of Inverness band Algorithm, popular Stateside
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On Friday new Inverness electro-pop band Algorithm will play their first live gig in the city – and no-one will be more excited than them.
Formed during lockdown, Algorithm saw well-known local singer songwriter Andrew Still forge a new direction for his music with beats and synths added to guitars.
And now with Amy Mullen on vocals, Bev Fraser on sax, Alan Gowie on bass, the band is set to share live their debut self-titled album – produced by John ‘Disco’ Clark of Bis and Debukas – which has been wowing both sides of the Atlantic.
So how has the album been doing since it came out?
“It’s been a continuation of the steady upward trajectory that Algorithm seems to have been on from day one,” Andrew said.
“It’s always felt like we have had the wind in our sails.”
“Amazing Radio were and have been very supportive of the four singles we have released to date. Particularly Less Talk which was the fourth one.
“It was picked up not just by Jim Gellatly in this country, but it got a significant number of plays on both the UK and US versions of the station and that has continued with the album.
“In America the whole album is being played more or less twice a day as of last week and plays seem to be increasing week on week, so we’re just delighted by that.
“Obviously for a band at our level, to know that our music is being played that frequently is a great boost to us.”
What was it like to work with John ‘Disco’ of Bis and Debukas?
Andrew explained: “John mixed and mastered the album, which we recorded with Iain McLaughlin at IMOUT and with Steve Bull at Glaichbeg.
“But during that time, I met John.
“I’d been a fan of Bis way back in the 90s. I even saw them open for Garbage in the Barrowlands, obviously at that time I didn’t know what lay ahead!
“So John appeared on our radar and very quickly it became clear that he had all the qualifications – if you like – necessary to be involved in this project.
“We didn’t need at any point really to explain our influences, he completely understood where we were coming from.
“Not only is John involved in Bis, but he also writes electronic music under the alias of Debukas, and very quickly after listening to predominantly his solo stuff, I realised that he would be the man for the job.
“I’ve made a lot of albums, as you know.
“And I can be, well, not precious about my recorded output, but it very quickly became apparent that I should take a back seat and let John deliver the album, which he did with bells on.
“I’m very, very grateful to Iain and Steve for what they brought to the project, but John Clark applied his magic dust to the whole thing.”
The Algorithm performance is now just a day away.
Amy said: “The exciting thing for me about our first performance, is having that real-life audience with our special guests , family and friends. It makes everything more real.”
For Amy, it is her first experience of taking the singer role in a band.
“This is my very first time, so this experience for me is very new and exciting and I really do feel that our music has something unique and different with our electronic vibes and our mix of instruments. Especially with Bev’s sensational-sounding sax! That really does bring a unique element to the band.
“After two years of working with Algorithm, both creatively and working behind the scenes, we definitely feel that the timing is right to share our music with you all.
“It’s something we are all extremely passionate about and to also share with others is something special.
“Music connects people together and what’s great about Algorithm and our music is people will be able to relate to the lyrics in some shape or form and hopefully be inspired by the songs we have on the album.
“Performing live allows us to capture real-life moments where people connect – and don’t connect to our songs. And I think that is really important for us to see having a live audience and being able to see what songs people enjoy and possibly what songs they don’t and it is important for us to get that feedback at this stage.
“Our songs are very varied and there is definitely something there for all generations to enjoy.
“Music is another way to express what is going on inside and sometimes it’s hard to express ourselves in day to day life.
“I guess this is why so many of us – new bands – have been born out of lockdown because it is such a good way of unleashing the creativity from within and it’s a great way of expressing ourselves, especially for mental health.
“So it has been a very therapeutic journey being a part of this band. And it’s a very exciting time for Algorithm.”
The debut performance has been a long time coming.
And as Andrew explained, going live for Algorithm is coming in an unusual order, or it would be for most bands. Perhaps because of that is this performance going to feel less daunting – or is it still a test?
“I don’t think it will be a test at all,“ Andrew said.
“We’ve made this whole album I would say metaphorically in the dark!
“So as a musician used to playing live, you write a song, rehearse it, play it live fairly early, then get a feel for whether it is a favourite or not – and that may determine whether it goes on an album.
“But because of Covid, we had to put all our cards on the table and picked a tracklisting, so the Tooth & Claw is not a test.
“Now is the time for an audience to tell us which ones they like, maybe ones they didn’t. But I’m pretty confident that it’s a strong album we’ve made.
“I’ve joked there are no power ballads, it’s really up-tempo and we’re all really looking forward to the Tooth & Claw – it’s on its way to selling out [now sold out].
"For me, it’s the light we’ve been headed towards for the last two and a half years.”
Algorithm play the Tooth & Claw on Friday (Nov 11), with DJ Butterscotch opening the night, but the gig has now sold out.
Find out more about Algorithm:
Website: algorithmband.co.uk
You can follow on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/algormusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/algorithm_algormusic/
Find their videos Algorithm Band on YouTube.
