The Tivoli

Really, what's the best way to spend half time at a Rotherham United match? Maybe the pies are okay, but why not just sign a record deal? That's what the Tivoli, named after the home stands at the aforementioned club, decided to do when they signed with Shiva Records at half time at a football match (for those interested in the details, Rotherham United lost one-nil). The band are proud of their roots growing up in places far removed from England's more glamorous locales. This start is reflected in their music, with songs such as My Town drawing on local news for inspiration and Drop Me Off in Rotherham wearing its local connection on its sleeve. The band, comprised of Damian Baughan on lead guitar, Russell Frisby on bass, Gareth Eaton on drums and singer Lee McMahon, comes from various cities and is based out of Sheffield now, with only McMahon living in Rotherham, and these varied backgrounds helps to give the sentiment in the lyrics some universality. It could happen anywhere.

'It could just as easily have been called Drop Me Off in Stoke-on-Trent. It's about what it's like growing up in a small town in England. You can link it to any town.' McMahon says about his lyrics. It's this narrative that connects the threads on their musically-diverse debut album, National Service, set to be released on 6 October. 'It's about the struggle of surviving each day, getting up, going to work, underpaid. Just going through life.' They bristle at my suggestion that they're a northern Hard-Fi, although it's meant as a compliment. Both bands try to encapsulate the ennui of mundane existence and work it into a palatable musical form, and it's a life the members of the Tivoli have first-hand experience in. McMahon alone had 9 jobs while recording the album over two years. Despite their claims that it can happen anywhere, they are obviously still very attached to the area. They talk highly of the local music scene, and really feel that Sheffield and South Yorkshire have a little something special that does breed a lot of storytellers.

From the few tracks already available from the album, they get their message across in a number of different styles. My Town is an atmospheric, groove-heavy crescendo, Pawns on the Fence marries an electro strut to a bluesy guitar riff, while Spirit of Tennessee and Cum with Me trade in a comfortable indie mould. There's a song for every mood it seems. 'There's too many one dimensional records' they explain, and this album is their attempt to provide a varied take on the issues covered in the lyrics. Their influences are just as varied, helped along by the diverse ages of the band members. They all bring different elements to the table, as can be heard in songs that bring together elements of dance, world music, anthemic pop and good ol' rock and roll. There are some common influences as well – the Jam, the Who, the Small Faces, all worthwhile groups to name check. The sound often owes more to Manchester than South Yorkshire, and recording in studio gave them room to bring a bit more density to some of the songs, layering instruments such as tabla and electronic touches into the traditional guitar-bass-drums-vocals mix. This musical nuance was allowed to develop quite organically, with the songs gestating over long periods with input from many different sources. Some of the songs have been written for years, and the record itself was cut over two years. Talented session musicians, such as Inda Goldfinger, who's also played with Ian Brown, were brought in to bolster the sound on some tracks. The results are polished and professional. Throw around clichés like widescreen atmospheric rock, etc. if you'd like. 'We want to play these tracks in stadiums. They're big, anthemic tracks' says McMahon. There's still a little dirt under their fingernails though and a welcome bit of grit is evident on some of the songs.

Between the lyrical messages and the darkness of some of the tracks, it might all sound a little heavy at times, but that's not entirely fair to the band. Many of the songs are quite upbeat, and it's very evident that these lads are doing something that some earnest musicians will often forget about – they're enjoying themselves. They returned from a UK-wide tour with Kora, a New Zealand Maori band, and Red in late July, an experience they have nothing but positive things to say about.

It was spot on. It was all just about having a good time' says Lee, echoed by the rest of the band. The highlights were a lively and interactive home set in Sheffield and playing to a crowd of 1200 at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London. The crowds were diverse but supportive, bringing in young and old and introducing them to fans of Kora's rootsier leanings and Red's turntabling ways. The people responding to the music aren't just your typical indie kids, with all ages and backgrounds just as likely to dance along. Richard Kirk of Cabaret Voltaire is said to be a fan. The Tivoli are mum on future plans, but promise it will all be revealed in time. It's all a bit MI5, but further touring is definitely likely as the album release date approaches. National Service is out 6th October.

Interview by Dion Curry
Photography by Andy Brown

www.myspace.com/thetivolimusic