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Ursula Minor
Post punk / Alternative / Shoegaze

Sick Fuzz



Glasgow
United Kingdom

Profile Views:  25458




Last Login:  12/19/2009
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   Ursula Minor: General Info
Member Since7/1/2005
Band MembersScott Cain - Bass
Ross Galloway - Synths, Machines
Mark Millar - Vocals
Ryan Murray - Drums
Mark Russell - Guitar, Synths
InfluencesMy Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Joy Division, NEU!, Faust, Cluster, Loop, The Cocteau Twins, Dif Juz, PiL, M83, The Velvet Underground, The Cure, The Fall, The Cramps, New Order, Primal Scream, Popol Vuh, Ride, Slowdive, Spiritualized, Swervedriver, Spacemen 3, Stereolab, Suicide, The Telescopes, The House of Love, Throbbing Gristle, Yo La Tengo


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Record LabelThe Foreign Office
Type of LabelIndie


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   About Ursula Minor

"Laudanum proves a powerful introduction to this Glaswegian four-piece. Ursula Minor have taken their time over five tracks on this debut EP rather than trying to rush through a full album’s worth of material, and the result is well-realised, offering a giddy haze of guitars and vocals that’s heavily influenced by My Bloody Valentine and any other shoegaze band you’d care to mention.

Many bands try this recipe and many sound dreadful - sometimes it’d be nice if people left the shoegaze sound alone. But Ursula Minor manage to pull it off by imposing their own ideas on their influences, allowing plenty of room for both spaced-out rambles and immediately accessible melodies - ‘Two Past Weeks’, for example, is a veritable pop tune, smothered by only a thin layer of fuzz, while the title track and EP closer, ‘Laudanum’, is a nine-minute rollercoaster of sky-scraping guitar lines and throbbing crescendos.

This EP is a thrilling ride that manages to be both brooding and uplifting; a visceral collection of songs that grow organically. Ursula Minor are onto something here, reinterpreting bands that are constantly being reinterpreted at the moment, but doing it with subtle intelligence, enthusiasm and, most importantly, a sense of enjoyment. It’s compelling stuff.

Drowned in Sound


"This independent release from Ursula Minor came to MM towers a little bit late in the day and was destined for the weekly round up column, but it’s so good that it’s got to be promoted to a full on review with plenty of spins inbetween.

This Glasgow quartet are purveyors of fuzzy space rock, but rather than exploit any shoe gazing pretensions, opening track “Westphalia” and to a greater extent “Send City Down” finds itself nearer to the dark dreamy chasms of a brilliant first album Verve. Both songs are searching, almost drowning via the machines of pummelling guitars soaked in swirls of echo. Beneath all of this and surfacing resolutely on “Sick Fuzz” is a thick strand of electronica, although this is smashed by the runaway thunder of a brutal bass guitar. You end up with a really dizzy mix of JAMC and late career Joy Division – although in this case the comparison is related more to the thick decaying urban textures that Ursula Minor seem to spit out with glee.

Without doubt “Two Past Weeks” finds them nearer to the sonics of MBV but somehow they thread in the melodies of Ian McCulloch. The closing title track "Laudanum” (fact fans, it’s a alcoholic tincture of opium favoured by the Victorians ; now how goth is that ?) is a spinning cascade, stuck in a groove and collision of HGV sounds with galaxies of distortions. Marvellous.

Manchester Music *EP of the week*


"Ursula Minor combine the shoegazing grace of My Bloody Valentine with the reverb heavy sound of the Jesus and Mary Chain."

NME


"Sometimes, if something’s gone, it really should be consigned to history. The Drybrough Cup and white dog poo a couple of the more obvious examples. However, Glasgow 4-piece Ursula Minor never ever really got started - one of the better acts to play the T-break tent at T in the Park, they seemed to follow this acknowledged stepping stone to stardom by vanishing without trace.

Now, and it may well be 5 years later, they’ve resurfaced. Sounding a bit different than I recall - surely there was a slight Joy Division element to their sound? - their debut EP finally brings us and them to the present day. And it’s all very postmodern - ‘Westphalia’ is a krautrock bop - instrumental of course, and a fine start. ‘Send City Down’ is different, with churning bass and a slightly trippy feel - you can imagine this being the Factory Records blueprint rather than generating hundreds of Crispy Ambulance clones, had Ian Curtis and pals had been on E rather than simply living in Manchester in the 70s. However, those beats are dark industrial dance beats topped by vocals from a tunnel; it’s not the cheeriest of sounds.

‘Sick Fuzz’ probably never summed up a tune better by its title, with bass that makes the listener naueous to the pit of their stomach, as the band perform at the bottom of the well of your soul with Mary Chain vocals and Stereolabby squeaky keys. ‘Two Past Weeks’ is different again, a mess of rhythm units and a genuine pop tune in the My Bloody Valentine vein - and yes, I am making way too many comparisons to other acts. ‘Laudanum’ however defies categorisation, a hellish nightmare of a tune, with sparse rock synths and a tantric groove which threatens to engulf the listener before looping round on itself, speeding up and kind of coming full circle with some electronic beats. It seems very odd to be congratulating this lot on their debut, but it’s good to have them back.

Is This Music?


"This five track EP from Ursula Minor showcases a band strong and confident in knowing what they want their music to be. Wearing influences unashamedly on their sleeves, this can best be described as a heavy mix of the dirtiest sounds ever created by bands like My Bloody Valentine, Suicide and Six by Seven gritted together with an air of extreme confidence. With some tracks reaching lengths of several minutes they can border on the repetitive, yet I strangely I find that the most compelling element in this release. I'm under their hypnotic spell."

Reverb Magazine


If the fact that Glaswegian quartet Ursula Minor describe themselves as an electronic-tinged Jesus and Mary Chain meets Krautrock hybrid doesn’t get you salivating, then opening number “Westphalia” certainly will. Tapping into the incendiary nature of the (in)famous Reid brothers, this instrumental number goes straight for the jugular with its driving rhythm, effervescent keys and anthem-sized guitars.

A promising start indeed from a band that is clearly unafraid to wear their hearts (and influences) on their sleeves. That’s not to say they don’t bring their own identity to the table. While the aptly-titled “Sick Fuzz” recalls The Ramones on speed or an opium-hazed Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, it is its ability to conjure images of the band performing in a dimly-lit fleapit, heads down, hair in the eyes and obscuring their faces that gives this track its electric disposition. The vocals are mixed so far back it’s a struggle to make out what is being said, yet this adds to the intrigue of the whole song.

There’s a feeling that this four-piece could benefit from the addition of live percussion rather than just a drum machine. In fact, in tandem with the electronics a live drum sound would give a number of these tracks that extra boost that could see them gaining new fans left, right and centre. “Two Past Weeks”, the most commercial track featured here, already possesses considerable force with its visceral feedback straight from the Kevin Shields “How to Make a Wall of Noise” handbook. Live drums, though, would just give this track that extra edge it needs. That being said, the Interpol / Editors (should I say Bowie?) vocals will definitely appeal to an indie-crowd, suggesting they could have a minor hit on their hands.

On a personal level, closing number “Laudanum” is my favourite track and this is purely for nostalgic reasons. Here Ursula Minor employs those swirling oscillations that Hawkwind have built a career on. Whether they are produced using David Brock’s revered audio generator is a different matter, but this song possesses a similar catchy riff to that of “Silver Machine” as the band set about powering this track skywards much like a space shuttle with banks of overridden guitar. An excellent end to a diverse and exciting new Ep, witness the birth of another great Glaswegian act.

Angry Ape


"Equally invoking Krautrock's chug-a-lug rhythms and shoegaze's woozy aesthetic, this Glasgow quartet must be cranked to 11 for full effect. Once there, the guitars completely take over, blanketing the subtle electronic nuances and washed-out vocals that occasionally rise up. there's a reason this band has a song called Sick Fuzz."

Paste Magazine


"URSULA MINOR – Laudanum (The Foreign Office) – Scottish band with a five track debut EP. They're doing a kind of airy/brooding Spacemen3/Jesus And Mary Chain/Krautrock thing and doing it very, very well..."

Organ Magazine


"With a backbone of electronica, a mere whisper of drums, a plethora of droning guitar and indistinguishable vocals, Ursula Minor's new EP sucks us into a world of dark noise. Reliving the sounds from the shoegazing era of the late 80's, Laudanum is a welcome diversion from today's punk revival. Citing influences from My Bloody Valentine, The Velvet Underground and The Cocteau Twins, Laudanum highlights the creative juices of Ursula Minor's band members and throws them into the spotlight as one of Glasgow's more promising exports. My suggestion: catch these guys live first then buy the EP. This band's meant to be listened to at deafening levels."

Forty Shades of Noise



   Ursula Minor's Friend Space (Top 16)
Ursula Minor has 2174 friends.
 Hors La Loi! 


 dextro 


 NORTHERN STAR RECORDS 


 Cargo Records UK 


 SuiS BOMBA 


 The Foreign Office 


 Rubens 


 Jagz Kooner 


 VCheka 


 Spacemen 3 


 Neu! 


 THE RAVEONETTES 


 My Bloody Valentine 


 The Jesus and Mary Chain 


 manabu 


 Revolution In Sound 





Ursula Minor's Friends Comments
Displaying 25 of 323 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
Anna Bee

Anna Bee



Dec 18 2009 9:42 PM

hey, how are you? have you been up to much, message me any time (...umm, because I'm bored & cant get a job...But anyway!!... )

... If you haven't seen them already... check out my videos... people say they're entertaining! ...so try to enjoy!

I cant believe how cold it is in london... we got lots
of snow as well ... and I'd thought that I'd make the most of it and do a walk on Hampstead heath... whilst dressed up in a bikini ... literally. (lol.. its for this new armature music video that I'm doing) ... now I just need to edit the clips it should be finished soonish xx




I would love it if you would leave this message on your page for others to see too

And join my facebook page if you like!:

http://www.facebook.com/annabelindabee

But I can only have 5000 adds on there so you can also add me on here aswel this ones unlimited:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anna-Belinda-Bee/177696640041?ref=ts

Thankxx Anna Bee xxx
Killaflaw - Set Me On Fire out NOW!

Killaflaw - Set Me On Fire out NOW!



Dec 12 2009 5:34 PM

Our latest single 'Set Me On Fire' is now available worldwide from all major digital stores and includes the exclusive remix by dance legends Utah Saints.

"I'm totally feeling 'em!" - Liam Howlett, The Prodigy

"Revolution is a massive tune!" - Rob Swire, Pendulum

"The missing link between Soundgarden and The Prodigy has materialised!" - Eddy Temple-Morris

"I love this band!" - Emma Scott, Kerrang!
Elba Studios - Glasgow

Elba Studios - Glasgow



Dec 2 2009 1:32 PM

Recording gift vouchers are now available, ideal for crimbo!

RAMON REMUS

RAMON REMUS



Dec 1 2009 11:43 PM

Abstrakt Experiment

Abstrakt Experiment



Nov 17 2009 9:35 PM

thanks for the add.

respect...
Elba Studios - Glasgow

Elba Studios - Glasgow



Nov 17 2009 3:37 PM

Hey check out the November podcast @ myspace.com/elbasessions with Martin John Henry (De Rosa)


KMR Promotions

KMR Promotions



Nov 12 2009 3:55 PM

Seashell Velasco

Seashell Velasco



Nov 11 2009 9:53 PM

thanks for the add!




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katie Thomas

katie Thomas



Nov 11 2009 8:40 AM

Hey!
 Come check out my music :)
Let me know what you think!
x kt x
Rozencrantz

Rozencrantz



Nov 9 2009 12:17 PM

Dear friends!

We are happy to see a good year go towards a good end. Again we will be playing our Christmas Show in the Moscow Megasphere - and that really makes us happy. The Moscow crowd is one of the best in the world and we would love to have you all with is. It's gonna be one hell of a rock party!

Our website is undergoing major updates at the moment, but as soon as it's back we highly recomment that you pick up your free Single and DVD "Chase the Dragon" and tell us what you think.

In the meantime Rozencrantz is back in the studio, working on brand new material.

As always, we will keep you updated.

Best regards,

Horatio

Glasgow Music Scene

Glasgow Music Scene



Nov 4 2009 3:04 PM

intro flyer
Centascope

Centascope



Nov 4 2009 8:03 AM

Hi Ursula Minor

Just stopping by to say hello and give you some news. The award winning album 'Coolgilly and the Freakshow' from Centascope is available worldwide from CD Baby and directly from the merchandise page of the official website.
You can also get the album from Apple iTunes, MSN Music, Rhapsody, Napster, Amazon.co.uk and many more.

CENTASCOPE: Coolgilly and the Freakshow

Glasgow PodcART

Glasgow PodcART



Oct 28 2009 7:41 PM

nov1st gig

Awrite troops.  Hope you can make it along for this one.  Will be crackin with all sorts of treats n surprises x

ally

TEAM PODCART
Jigsaw

Jigsaw



Oct 27 2009 3:46 PM

your star was beginning to shine
and the sun was coming up
on time

we were young

now on myspace
hope you enjoy
cheers
e.
Jigsaw

Jigsaw



Oct 26 2009 4:25 PM

[NEW SONG UPLOADED]

"your star was beginning to shine
and the sun was coming up
on time

we were young"

now on myspace
hope you'll enjoy
any feedback welcome

Greetings from Paris

L.
THE HOT CLUB

THE HOT CLUB



Oct 24 2009 12:08 AM

2's UP, it's ma fuckin birthday...
Free Limited Edition Print (1/50) and an 80min mix cd (1/150) to the earliest arrivals...

NOTE THAT WE ARE STARTING AT 9 THIS MONTH, TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE TREMOLO BEER GUT (all the way from Denmark) AND BIG NED (all the way from the black lodge).



The Owls Are Not What They Seem...

R & N x

~MLJ Promotions & Management~

~MLJ Promotions & Management~



Oct 21 2009 9:05 PM

Thanks for being a new friend of MLJ Promotions..

NEED MORE EXPOSURE??

WANT MORE FRIENDS / FANS ??

NEED MORE PLAYS / VIEWS ??

WANT TO GET NOTICED BY A&R REPS ??

We can help ....

Bubblegum Records

Bubblegum Records



Oct 20 2009 6:53 PM

iPunk

iPunk



Oct 17 2009 4:10 PM

Thanks for your support! check the other iPunk-profile too. your will find more great stuff by using the following link: www.myspace.com/ipunkremix www.facebook.com/ipunk iPunk available@ http://www.beatport.com/ipunk & your local record-store
Station 17

Station 17



Oct 14 2009 10:39 AM

STATION 17 – Online Exclusive
Die Antwort Auf Das Licht (Frittenbude Remix)

FREE DOWNLOAD!!!

http://rapidshare.com/files/281259302/Station_17_-_Die_Antwort_Auf_Das_Licht__Frittenbude_Rmx_.mp3
The Depot Rehearsals and Recording

The Depot Rehearsals and Recording



Oct 13 2009 7:47 PM

Hey there! Please click the picture below!
Depot add
Email us at - Info@Depotstudios.com
visit - www.depotstudios.com
NEVERENDING RECORDS

NEVERENDING RECORDS



Oct 12 2009 1:03 PM

NEVERENDING 004 "Cameleon ep"
by Citizen Kain & Phuture Traxx
remixes by Pfirter, Uto Karem, Remute, Spartaque, Pelle Buys, Seismal D, Ryan Web.

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Massive support by Richie Hawtin, Slam, Dubfire, Martin Eyerer, Tocadisco, Agoria, Mihalis Safras, Len Faki, Felix Krocher, Joseph Capriati, Ahmet Sendil, Marc Depulse, Abnormal Boyz, Chris Fortier, Dandi & Ugo, Angel Alanis, Frank Sonic, Greg Delon, Nhar and so much others!

::: OUT NOW :::


/// WE TRUST IN MUSIC WE LOVE! ///

Intolerance Records

Intolerance Records



Oct 8 2009 5:35 AM

Get a hat.

Send_N_Return

Send_N_Return



Oct 2 2009 9:41 PM

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KMR Promotions

KMR Promotions



Oct 2 2009 12:01 PM

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