Mull Historical Society may be the strangest band name we've heard in well, a few months at the least, but their music is touching, heartfelt and refreshingly original indie pop thats accessible to anyone and everyone.
The band have only be around for a short while, but their astonishing debut single, Barcode Bypass, quickly caught the media's attention, and was soon followed by the equally as wonderful I Tried and Animal Cannibus, and their deliciously fulfilling debut album, Loss was released just last month. Alex Finch interviewed MHS's lead singer Colin MacInntrye via email in November 2001.
gc(uk): Your debut album, Loss, has just been released and received much acclaim. Were you happy with the finished result? And would you change anything?
Colin MacIntyre: I am delighted with the album. It was a real energy-sapping thing for me to complete, but I dont think I'd change anything. I'm able to develop the album versions of the next singles when they're released, so that's good. but, to be honest, I'm already thinking of the next album, but It's satisfying for me I guess to have this one out there.
Are there any further tour plans after last Friday’s (09/11/01) gig at the ULU?
We'll be touring in Jan in Europe (prob with The Music) and then hope to tour UK again in feb by which time Watching Xanadu will be released as the next single. US in spring.
You say you’ve already written most of the next album – how would you describe it, and when do you plan to begin recording it?
The next album is more of the same, but I hope I'm always developing/improving as a songwriter. I should get some time to record it during first half of next year.
Having been in so many bands in the past, and having struggled for so long, has the sudden acclaim the band’s received been a shock? And were you ever close to giving up prior to this?
It's not been a shock. I suppose I believe in what I do, but you do rely on luck and having the right people around you - for me that has taken a long time but I wouldn't change a thing about my musical life so far - well maybe a few gigs I could easily forget about in the past, but they're long forgotten now - there's been a few dives! I could never really consider giving up because I've never really felt that I have much say in what I do - something inside writes tunes and I just go along with it....
Do you one day want to live back in Tobermory? Or is Glasgow now your permanent home?
I'd love to have a base in Tobermory one day - my dream is for a house at Calgary Bay - which is where we shot the Animal Cannabus video and also is the title of a song that I recently did for John Peel Session. dont know how many john peel sessions I need to do before i can get that house though!
Not conforming, and getting away from things, are common themes in your songs - but do you feel that that will continue to be possible the bigger you get?
I'll make sure of it! I dont set out to stick to particular themes. I suppose what's in you is in you and my background leans me towards these issues so I'm sure that will continue.
What are your thoughts/feelings about the continuing war? And would you be prepared to tour abroad?
What can I say about the war...it's such a big and complex issue. It would be great if people/leaders could just talk and negotiate differences, but that is maybe a bit naive with all that's gone on. We will be touring abroad next yr.
The Reindeer Selection, the ‘Scottish indie-supergroup’ you’re part of, has quietly been trundling along for a while now – any plans for further releases or gigs? And what would you do if it’s success ever eclipsed that of MHS’s?
All my attentions are on MHS. I sung a few backing vox on one of their songs, and it was nice to be asked.
The I Tried video has to be one of the most memorable seen in recent years – but is the song really a love story between a man and sheep? No, really?
I think you've answered this one already! no, it wasn't originally written about man and sheep, although I've had plenty of practise... It was written about a messed-up relationship, I was thinking of 2 older/middle-aged people. The guy is weak and knows he's in the wrong place but keeps coming back. it's a bit sad really.
You’ve supported The Strokes, Tindersticks, Elbow, Travis and Terris - what was it like, and do you have any tales from those gigs that you can legally/morally divulge?
We've had a great year supporting bands. Elbow/Travis were nice people. The strokes, though, we had longest with, we also did the festival weekend with them, and we all really got on. Great band and crew. one tale that springs to mind was in Oxford after the gig we were all dancing about having been on too much champagne and i bumped into some guy, before I could appologise he had me up against a wall - not long after about 3 strokes piled in to my rescue (like i needed them!!)
And who would be your own dream support act?
The Wombles
So many bands of late have released ‘post fame trauma’ albums, which have lost the feel of what made the band’s great in the first place. How do you think you’ll avoid that? Or don’t you wish too?
I wont actively try to be or do anything...hopefully I'll just continue what I'm doing - I think it's important not to take yourself too seriously.
What is on the MHS stereo at the moment?
Neil Young - "After the Goldrush". the Rolling Stones singles collection. Pulp's new album...
And finally, in five years time, where would you like the band to be?
On Calgary Beach playing football and music…
Alex Finch.
Related Links:
The Official Mull Historical Society Site.
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