Wilson, Phil / I Own It

Slumberland

As main songwriter and singer of mid-'80s English pop legends The June Brides, Phil Wilson's influence looms large over UK guitar pop since. A bridge between early-'80s groups like Josef K and the later Creation scene, The June Brides kept the flame burning for earnest, tuneful pop that combined fiercely-strummed, jangly guitars with smart, literate lyrics and punk-informed energy. Though their career was a brief three years, their achievements are notable: all four of their singles and their sole LP topped the UK indie charts, they recorded several BBC sessions, including one for John Peel, and they toured with such heavyweights as The Smiths, Go-Betweens, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Mekons, Alternative TV, The Television Personalities and The Wedding Present. Following the dissolution of The June Brides, Wilson released a handful of solo singles on Creation and Caff, and then, soured on the music business, retired. His legend has only grown though, with bands as diverse as the Manic Street Preachers, Belle and Sebastian, The Aislers Set and Franz Ferdinand citing Wilson and the Brides as important influences. In 2008, Slumberland released Wilson's Industrial Strength EP, which featured inspired re-workings of songs by Throbbing Gristle, Kraftwerk, Faust and contemporary German band S/T. Recording totally solo at home, Wilson layered acoustic guitars, mandolin, banjo and skeletal programmed beats in a mesmerizing drone-folk groove that exposes the melodic roots of these songs. His newly assembled full band presents his first new songs since his mid-'90s solo singles. "I Own It" is the debut release from this next stage of Wilson's musical journey and will be featured on his forthcoming album God Bless Jim Kennedy. Combining electric and acoustic guitars in a light, folky atmosphere, "I Own It" is a brilliantly catchy tune that showcases his finely honed pop sense. Abetted by an excellent new band (including Arash Torabi, Andy Fonda and ex-June Brides Jon Hunter and Frank Sweeney), Wilson picks up right where he left off, with clever tunes simultaneously rocking and tender, tough-minded and honest but not immune to a dash of sentimentality. "What Time Can Do" is a little more reserved, a mature meditation on time's swift passage, and is exclusive to this single.

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