Yesterday marked the 12th release from our old friends Tugboat Captain (and the Birthday of John Fitzsimmons from The Papers, an act that will go down in the annals of Uncollective history). Today, we give to you a potted history and semi-literate review of Be Strong, Smoke Less in the only way we know how.
From our beginnings as a Cornish student collective through our relocation to Devon and our new home of Bristol, some form of the nautically-inclined brainchild of Alexander Sokolow has been with us every step of the way. With an extensive catalogue that begins with 2017's cover of the eponymous Galaxie-500 song and a subsequent two years worth of DIY hits including DWTOWUOMO, Ikea Mirror and Record Time - not to mention a choice selection of aural memes and a solo album on Uncollective Records. As Be Strong, Smoke Less attests, it's a catalogue that's far from it's final page.
Despite their humble beginnings as student side project Naked Lights, the Tuggers have risen through relative obscurity to become a fixture in the hearts and venues of indie communities across the UK. After a viral Reddit post propelled them into some sort of musky limelight, the (then) six-piece released a sophomore album and began a seemingly endless journey across London and the South West - partly due to frontman Alex (AKA The Captain) and his inexhaustible supply of optimism and capacity to send emails. This tactic has paid off, with the band increasingly occupying some prime spaces in the labyrinths of internet indie-dom. Recent highlights have included selection for Indietracks Festival and an exquisite collaboration with film-makers Grimshaw Mink.
But Be Strong, Smoke Less reminds us why we love the Tug - and indeed why we bother to do what we do. After several crew-mates received honourable discharge early this year (including Uncollective favourite Honeyglaze), the three remaining members recruited drummer Georgia (from Mothercanyouhearme), recording the latest single as a final farewell to the voyage so far. Inspired by a conversation with Alex's mother, BS,SL is dripping with the earnestness and honesty that we've come to expect. The faux-folk sounds of The Wave Pictures meet the sensibilities of Daniel Johnston in a three minute odyssey that will melt your heart and make love to yoursupermarginal gyrus. God knows we need an encouraging message at this time of year, as we drag ourselves from the final drizzly throes of Winter and set sights for Summer's horizons. The message? Be Strong, Smoke Less - and listen to your mum. Tugboat Captain embark on a 20 date tour of the UK this month, landing on the shores of Bristol on April 6th (hosted by Uncollective Records and Wax Music) - get your FREE TICKETS via Headfirst Bristol.
Tom Stockley is the Creative Director of Uncollective and Langaland Festival. He's also an artist, writer and performer - currently rehearsing for shows with The Hideous Trend.
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PINT PIECESWe pay each author £5 for 500 words (roughly) on something creative - your favourite single, an exhibition you've been to, a new project or anything else you can think of! Feel free to include images. Send your PINT PIECE to [email protected] and we'll choose one per month. Archives
August 2019
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