Giant Spheres Release in August
Posted: Sat Aug 2, 2003 8:31 am

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The Subliminals made an immediate impact in 2000 with their innovative Crystal Chain EP. United State, the stunning album that quickly followed, firmly cemented the band as critics favourites. Music fans too loved the combination of sonic scapes and irreverant pop.

And it was a new aspect of singer/songwriter/guitarist Simon Maclaren. Of course he'd perfected the infectious pop-punk tunes through the latter half of the 90's with the similarly adored Loves Ugly Children - a striking threesome who made an impression of both sides of the Hemisphere. With The Subliminals though, Maclaren was pursuing new territory, and everyone loved it. A simultaneous side project of alt-country act Dirt further showcased his songwriting status, perhaps something often clouded by the noisy and frenetic Loves Ugly days. Then, in true rock'n'roll style, at the peak of their popularity, The Subliminals abruptly split up - alright!

Forging in new directions had given Simon a taste for more of that. After pausing to gather his thoughts, he decided after spending all his musical life in bands, he was ready and keen to pursue a solo project - after all, he could pull people in when he needed them, and he did - like Brendan 'Hasselhoff Experiment/Subliminals' Moran + Matthew 'Spud/ Solid Gold Hell' Heine.

Hooking up with producer Dale Cotton, Simon was embracing songwriting as he never had before, and creating an album of blissful, pop psychedelia. All the while reminding you - boy, he can play guitar.

The result will surprise you. And stun you. Giant Spheres is undoubtedly Simon Maclaren's best stuff yet.

The album GIANT SPHERES is out August 28th on Turbine Records.