Laika

Lost in Space - Volume 1 (1993-2002) - Too Pure/Beggars Banquet/Select

Laika are the kind of arty contemporary outfit that can only work in England, where even popular groups like Radiohead are free to blur the lines between their guitar and electronic influences. Laika opened the Radiohead tour when they debuted the Kid A material in Roman amphitheatres throughout Europe, so maybe an impression was made on the latter's non-pop material since then. Based on ex-Moonshake members Guy Fixsen, John Frenett and Margaret Fiedler (who played guitar for PJ Harvey's last tour) the dreamy sound of Laika's vocal and keyboard lines are filled out with low bass grooves and the interesting drums of Lou Ciccotelli (who has his own evocative percussive group, Eardrum). In this double disc set are found selections from their three full-length releases, plus rarities including a session for the BBC, remixes by Max Brennan and Jack Dangers, and the only cover they've done - Wire's "German Shepherds." 80s Wire is a good comparison for some of what Laika are up to, so if you're looking for that ideal listening experience catch up with Laika's work with this captivating retrospective.

Publication Date: 2003-02-09
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=2342