Clinic
WORDS: Yasmin Begum (Youth Editorial Group)
Clinic are a UK band noted for their unique sound of heavy electronic and indie rock, often using vintage keyboards and synthesizers to add to their off-scale progressions. They were formed in 1997 after a split of a previous outfit called Pure Morning. Right from the start they began using battered old instruments, primarily keyboards and organs that they found at places such as car boot sales, rummage/junk sales and flea markets, granting them an aura of notoriety for this odd habit. Two others joined and an EP was recorded in their hometown of Liverpool, where it was released to critical acclaim and made John Peel's festive 50.
In 1999 Clinic signed to Domino Records where they recorded their debut album Internal Wrangler, which was released in 2000. Track The Second Line was released and later used in a Levi Jeans commercial, putting them into the indie charts for the first time.
Numerous albums and singles later, their songs are being used on famous TV show soundtracks (such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) and they are enjoying slots supporting bands such as Radiohead, the Flaming Lips and Arcade Fire.
Whenever on stage, Clinic wear scrubs and surgical masks for the occasion. This along with Ade Blackburn's acidic, distinctive vocals are the trademark of the band. Sound like your cup of tea? If it is, Clinic are playing Clwb Ifor Bach on Friday 14 November as part of Cardiff's annual Swn festival. Entry is free with priority to those who are in posessions of a Swn band, but the walk up price is £12.50. Support come from Threatmantic and The Big Pink.
Like many bands, Clinic have never fully gotten the cult fanbase status that they experience in mainland Europe or America here in the UK. I have no idea why; most modern music is not worth listening to, but Clinic have proved themselves. Highly recommended.
