The Ladybug Transistor formed in Brooklyn in 1995, and frontman Gary Olson has been the band’s sole constant member. Clutching Stems (Merge) is the group’s seventh album and the first to be made following the 2007 asthma-related death of drummer San Fadyl. Since, the band’s lineup has solidified behind Olson, featuring Kyle Forester, Julia Rydholm, Mark Dzula, Eric Farber and Michael O’Neill. The Ladybug Transistor will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our brand new Q&A with Olson.
Julia Rydholm: It’s difficult to get away with melodic bass lines and not sound like you are a frustrated lead guitarist. James Hornsey of the Clientele completely gets away with this and then some. Hornsey authors elegant, labyrinthine parts that articulately wander through range, scale and phrasings without ever losing a tether to a gentle, yet substantial, rhythmic texture. His lines simultaneously lift and anchor the songs, weaving within the melodies while conversing with the drums, creating their own counter melodies and, ultimately, sewing seamlessly into the dreamy texture that defines the sound of the Clientele.
Video after the jump.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP7sKqWNOcs
