Comet Gain
Letters To Ordinary Outsiders
Formed in London in 1992 by singer and songwriter David Christian, Comet Gain were originally inspired by early Creation Records, Television Personalities and mod culture, drawing from the same ideals as Dexys, The Style Council and Vic Godard, and from the lineage of The Velvet Underground, The Byrds and the 13th Floor Elevators. In the ensuing years they have released eight albums on such esteemed labels as Wiiija, Kill Rock Stars, What's Your Rupture and Fortuna POP! that blend French New Wave with English kitchen-sink heart, Riot Grrrl with acid punk, and C86 with Post-Punk and Northern Soul, somehow outliving their peers and in turn inspiring a younger generation of DIY musicians. On this record, their second album proper for Tapete Records, Comet Gain are David Christian (vocals, guitar), Ben Phillipson (guitar), Rachel Evans (vocals), Robin Christian (percussion), Anne Laure Guillain (keyboards) and Clientele bassist James Hornsey, with additional vocal, brass and keyboard contributions from producer Sean Read (Dexys, Edwyn Collins, Rockingbirds). So who IS the 'Ordinary Outsider'? The wayward, hungry, tender, bruised, scared, defiant, shy but knowing, blessed with unseen magic, keeping their flames hidden away until needed, waiting for the time to let rip their powers in this age of hopelessness. In this TikTok narcissist era they hide from the spotlight but in their hearts are all reaching for the total Whatever-It-Is. These songs are postcards to and for them - you can't go wrong in hard times with a sense of belonging. After Comet Gain's last LP 'FIRERAISERS FOREVER!' which was a necessary exorcism of the Moron Era that has in fact only got worse they have put aside the fuzz drenched broken glass howls for a more immediate, toe-tapping rush of melody and intent.