Unsigned cult Birmingham indie rock/popsters.

Origins

Computer Club, formally known as Bluestarr, were formed in 2003. Lacking a drummer they contacted a friend who worked for Burn FM a radio station catering for the students Birmingham University who put them in contact with his brother, Stephen Brookes of the freshly disbanded group Salt Rock. Now the line up was complete:

Paul Banks- Vocals and Guitar
Jon - Lead Guitar
Matthew - Bassing
Steve Brookes- Drumming


Producing a distinctive sound early on in their career lead to interest from Creation records, although the band was advised to, 'mature lyrically'. The band sound became a victim of its own uniqueness, as it was savagely taken from them and claimed as Birmingham's sound when close friends Editors (then Snowfields) got their break.

Distinctive Sound

Once referred to by a fan as, 'We Are BlocEditors'. It is obvious to even the most casual of listen from where these four boys gather their inspiration.
After the colossal rise to fame of Editors, Birmingham suffered an indentity crisis. New bands sprung up from nowhere and creully ripped off the anthemic post millenium post punk sound, older bands floundering in Englands second city saw their chance and quickly adapted their own style to fit this new trend.
For Computer Club this was the most tragic and cruelest of circumstances, having been robbed of their own brand, nowthe outsiders looking in CC are just one of the rabble.
While CC's sound is considered to be a great asset, some believe it is their weakness. Critism that can be aimed at the majority of local bands, that the seemingly refuse to look beyond current trends and some what treat the NME as the modern music Bible and the short cut to fame and success.

Critical Acclaim

Integral to the bands ethos, lyrically the songs almost touch on poetic genius. This is credit to the band who were once told to write more mature lyrics.
In the new Editor-esque copycat music scene of Birmingham, these lyrics have set the band aside. Take for example the toe-tapping indie rock anthem, Snobs. On the surface its a classic Boy meets Girl love song, although those close to the band know its seedy undertone. Written about a night out in the indie scenster kid haunt of Snobs nightclub, it tells the story of the absolute sea of humanity who habitate this place with the soul intention of getting laid to a complete stranger.
Also, the song Gates, which is generally considered thier finest work, is somewhat of a nothing story to newcomers. Though it tells the story of the near break up of one of the bands member's relationships ironically after a shambolic night in Snobs nightclub.
It is the geniuine subtlety of these lyrics that is now considered the bands forte.

2006

Although problems with the inexperienced management and lack of any substantial new material have plagued this year, 2006 was easily the best year for the band with the release of the band's EP which was innovatively stamped with its own unique Computer Club Member number.
There has also been a lot of interest from record companies, including Fierce Panda and even interest from America.
As mentioned before, the general weakness of the group seems to be the loyal devotion to the NME, though this seemingly paid off when they were personally recommened by the editor, 'Really fucking cool indie pop joy!'

The Future

With a mini UK tour planned the future seems bright for CC. Although at this current moment no one really considers them good enough to make a global impact, they can be thought of to be on the right lines. The band need to consider the current music scene beyond the here and now, and adapt accordingly and maybe produce a more heavy sound. With the right influences and inspirations it can be done as teh band have proved before they are capable of producing nice little three minute pop packages but will they be good enough to produce a 12 song album rather than simply a 12 collection of songs? Only time will tell, although I would like to believe they can.

I heart CC

Discography

Computer Club EP May 2006
1 Get yer Guns Out
2 Gates
3 Snobs