Spoons (one of the first bands I wrote about for this site; specifically concerning their amazing song “Nova Heart”) have surprised their fans with a little Christmas gift; two previously unreleased songs. In fact, they are apparently the oldest and newest Spoons tracks.
The song “Alphabet Eyes” is the first official Spoons song. It never made it on to record, so this is a rough practice/demo recording. They were apparently throwing off the prog-rock shackles of their earlier incarnation (a band called Tryst – how perfect is that name for a prog band?). Although I can still hear a slight hint of their past in the synth on occasion, this is definitely a more pop/new wave tune. The first 20 seconds of the song are electronic noises that sound like very early Devo. Then the rhythm track kicks in, while synth and guitar alternately come to the fore. Overall it sounds like a theme song for some futuristic television show (in the vein of “Telstar” by The Tornados). An imperfect mix, but a really great tune and fun to hear.
“Snow Globes” is described as a Christmas song, although that is not really evident to me from the lyrics. It kicks off with a driving guitar and quickly adds some dream pop backing. The song gets very dense as the main echoed vocals are added. There are lots of layers to this dramatic track. Spoons say this song is “one of our latest.” Perhaps a sign there will be new material in the coming soon? Hope springs eternal…
Thanks for the Christmas gift, Spoons.