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What on earth is Post-Indie? The literal definition, of course, is what follows indie. But to the new scene developing in the North East of England it means so much more. This is the birthplace of Sting and Frankie and the Heart Strings so whatever is coming next has to be fantastic.
And along came Static Blue… To the singer/songwriter and guitarist Fran Mclaren post-indie is “False Sense of Security Music” and I have to agree. Their song “John the Milkman” starts with a classic Beatles-esc 4 chord pattern but suddenly changes to a distressing misbeat in the centre before returning to the first pattern. This is a similar form to Math Rock but lulls you into a false sense of security before seeming to shake the world around you.
Not everything they do is so alarming though, their title song “Static Blue” is about having to let the girl you love go and is emotive and heartfelt with a catchy chorus that is pleasant to listen to… perhaps enough to make them a relatable teen band...
“Joey” talks about in a strange way about religion. With lyrics “Believe in yourself you are your own god” It expresses the bands need to stay true to who they are and not let their decisions be swayed by anyone, be it god or a manager. This self-belief and scepticism of religion resonates with the alternative teens and twenties who are rebelling against ideals that have been forced upon them from a young age.
Static Blue means to Mclaren, at least, “constantly depressed” which is reflected through their song writing. “Silence” about wanting to be locked away so you can no longer harm yourself is a haunting melody and is definitely sad.
However, they do also have a lot of upbeat, cheerful, funky songs such as “Kool Kat”, “Killer Whale” and “On Top of the World” which are great to listen to and can definitely put you in an energetic cheerful mood. Not to mention “Sound of the Century” which is a funk song bragging without shame about their own music, and I’m not going to lie, a fantastic tune.
Live, with mad guitar, drum and bass solos they are definitely an experience and conduct an incredible energy with the crowd making it impossible not to have a good time. Their choreographed dance moves reminiscent of Talking Heads and Fran who has a habit of climbing on the drums is enough to make even the grumpiest of people want to move with them.
What’s coming up next for Static Blue then? They’re riding the waves of the start of their success and are preparing for a gig filled 2016. Starting off by playing the 02 Academy in Newcastle supporting Hedges (who are talking about their experiences later in INPUT) and then in the summer playing none other than Mid-Fest, the Middlesbrough music festival where they will be playing on the main stage!
We are all super hyped up for the gig/art gallery opening at the Saville Exchange featuring several acoustic acts alongside the art by local artists and ending with the strange, weird but definitely fantastic performance by Static Blue. With Mclaren helping to direct a short, silent film specially for it alongside Jonathan Varty, everyone there on the 22nd is guaranteed to have an incredible night.
Overall I’d say that the new genre of post-indie is certainly beginning to gain the following it deserves and the north east music scene is still as fruitful as ever. Static Blue are infinitely creative and are constantly altering their style to whatever they want, this makes them one of the most intriguing, entertaining and bizarre bands around. Perhaps they can spark the neo musical revolution and really use their musical power and talent to open minds and really make a difference to modern listening as well as changing the world.

I can’t wait to see what in the world they’ll do next.