There must be something in the water around Glasgow. Western Scotland has exported such diverse acts as Mogwai, Arab Strap and Belle & Sebastian. We at Merge were very excited to have worked with the post-rock-noir of Ganger.

Ganger's music is as heartfelt as it is complex. By combining innovative structures with concise delivery, this Glaswegian quartet tries out new things without forgetting that dynamism is what makes a rock song great. The songs integrate male and female vocals, which weave whispering through the arrangements, with the endless possibilities of a two bass/guitar/drum setup. Ganger's music remains fresh and exciting.

"Cats, Dogs & Babies Jaws" provides an uptempo start to the album, stretching quiet passages in ways only done previous by Th' Faith Healers. On "First Thing In The Morning," the group maintains a sprightly progression at low volume, continually adjusting the notes as if the members were completely filling in a small piece of the musical spectrum. "Capo (South of Caspian)" mixes whispered vocals with smooth bass runs before building to a frenzied tempo. Throughout, the enthusiasm stays constant, providing a welcome substitute to the pained post-prog angst of many bands today.

Ganger doesn't try to move mountains. It rebuilds them.

After releasing a slew of singles and twelve inches in Europe (most of which were compiled onto a CD called Fore), Hammock Style was the band's first full length release, followed by the EP, Canopy.

www.ganger.co.uk

Half Nelson :: EP (Vesuvius) 1996
Hollywood Loaf :: EP (Domino) 1996
The Cat's In The Bag...The Bag's In The River :: EP (Planet) 1996
Fore :: CD/LP (Domino) 1997
With Tongue Twisting Words :: CD/EP (Domino) 1998
"Geocities" b/w "Allessandra" :: 7" (Wurlitzer Jukebox) 1998
Hammock Style :: CD (Merge) 1998
Canopy :: CDEP (Merge) 1999