Clone Quartet
For years Clone Quartet have flown under the radar, biding their time. But Clone Quartet’s time is now. These sonic stealth fighters are about to make their perfectionist presence felt, unleashing madness, obsession and merry hell with debut album, ‘Well-Oiled Machine’.
Words_Francis Jones
The release of the debut album is not quite the Holy Grail event it once was. Recording and distributing of music has moved on apace in recent years (a good thing) but it has inevitably led some bands to drop their first born at an indecently young age. Not so Clone Quartet. These electro-rock teasers have honed and finessed their sound for years, refusing to remove their knickers for any old Tom, Harry, or Dick. However, in Smalltown America and Tigertrap they’ve found their perfect suitors and are ready to pop their long-player cherry.
“This is a moment of culmination for Clone Quartet,” confirms Andy Henry, Clone Quartet Commander-in-Chief. “We had been together as a band for so long before reaching this point so it really means something. Initially the album started life as an EP, but our label convinced us to do a full-length record. From playing live we knew we had a core of songs that really worked, it was then a matter of rejigging those tracks to make them as interesting as possible on record. It’s taken nearly two years on and off to complete, so we’re really happy to have realised that debut album ambition. But now we’ve ticked that box. We’re looking forward to doing the next record and to do it better.”
According to Henry he could have the material for that ‘next album’ recorded in double-quick time. Which does beg the question, why the prolonged wait for the debut?
“We’re perfectionists, the process by which we work can be quite time-consuming. Over the years we’ve lost interest in some of our material. But these songs are worthy of Clone Quartet. I think we’ve really grasped the opportunity, ideas have crystallised and we’ve made a really good record. Also, you have to remember he band is just one part of our lives, we all try to make time for our music, but sometimes it’s a battle. No matter what there was always going to be an album, the only question was what level we would take it to.”
The battle to prioritise and make time for the band has already claimed one casualty. Clone Quartet’s tour to promote ‘Well-Oiled Machine’ will see them soldier on without guitarist, Gavin Reid. But as much as the input of the others plays a part in shaping the sound and identity of Clone Quartet, it is Henry who is the master craftsman.
“With this record I’ve given the most but Clone Quartet as a unit, pushing and challenging each other to come up with better material and ideas makes it a much stronger proposition. I’m the songwriter, but it’s very much a band project. Sometimes the finished track is similar to what I’ve demoed, but in other cases the guys will drastically rework it. Every step of the way they bring something to Clone Quartet.”
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