Collapsing inexplicably in 2002 with just one album and a live recording to their name, Life Without Buildings were a band who pre-empted the post-punk revival of the early noughties. they continued the long tradition of wonderful scottish indie bands, playing fairly standard indie rock, but with an urgency and passion too often missing from other such groups. However,perhaps the biggest draw is lead singer, Sue Tompkins. she speaks (frantically) more than she sings, often over annunciating and repeating short refrains of words ("Hold tight! Hold tight!"), which cleverly mimic and complement the jagged guitar riffs.
the band chose not to tarnish their legacy and instead quit whilst they were most certainly ahead, and yet they have never grown beyond a cult sensation, beloved by all those lucky enough to be in the know. so, if you've never heard such songs as The Leanover or New Town (in particular the rather splendid 7 minute live version), then i implore you to track them down and give them a listen, and to hopefully fall in love, just as i did, and to swear allegiance to the cult of a Life Without Buildings.
Photo: Last.fm
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