We Are the Dead

The lively band with that bit of dark...

Given the name, We Are The Dead seem to be ironically one of Coventry’s most energetic and enthralling contenders on the music scene. With a colourful and interesting array of musical influences, they have a small and proud catalogue that wouldn’t seem out of place in a Ziggy Stardust make-believe record collection. Aside from a Bowie-driven stream of influence behind the band, Iggy and the Stooges can’t pass by without venting wind under the sails of the good ship Dead. First impressions of We Are The Dead presents a mysteriously dark and intriguing persona; yet somehow with that small and delicate pinch of sparkle. Singer Tom Simkins feels that the band should "present more than just music", and that "art and visuals should be a big part of live performance in particular".

Songs like ‘She Put My Heart in a Cage’ can best be described as getting thrown through the motions back and forth on some volatile fairground ride… but none-the-less a comfortable one. Whereas the steadier ‘Slow Burn’ remains vivid, yet creeps into your imagination with clear-cut lyrics and moderate drums lain under the temperate guitar. We Are The Dead songs don’t go without a touch of Suede, and ‘So Damn Pretty’ replenishes the kind of 90’s tunes missed from when bands like Pulp and Blur were in their heyday. Then their grungier number ‘I’ll Be Your World’ starts with a thrash reminiscent of a dingy CBGB’s stage featuring Iggy Pop (the former version of today’s sinewy figure we can’t avoid on daytime TV insurance adverts), before becoming increasingly synthy.

As for the live shows; jumping and crawling are not qualities to be unexpected, and singer Tom Simkins makes sure to keep his showmanship interesting. He certainly looks the part wearing trilby hats, waistcoats, and a splash of purple involved somewhere. Want to know where you can catch them next? Find them at www.myspace.com/wearethedeadspace and make sure to give them a listen.