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Alternative music is becoming increasingly popular among young Londoners who are embracing new bands and new sounds. EMILY COLE tracked down the student band who are KU’s cream of the crop.

When Mouth first spotted this emerging band, our first thought was to stick them in the Style section. With their quirky appearance, they were perfect for a fashion profile. But as we approached them, camera in hand, we noticed the drum kit they had in tow and immediately decided these boys were worthy of more than a fashion profile.

The band of five third year Fine Art students, Tom, Luke, Olly, George and Steven call themselves Germolean, a familiar name which originates from the widely-known antiseptic product. Olly tells me: “We didn’t know what to call ourselves and there was some Germolene on the side in the Kitchen! We changed the spelling to make sure there were no copyright issues.” Simple as that. This laid back approach to their music-and life generally it seems-is extremely refreshing to see. It’s obvious they don’t take themselves too seriously and are simply interested in having fun making music.

Their musical influence is apparent in their style, which they have decided to place into the Alternative Indie genre. Bands including The Pixies and The Jets have an impact on their sound. Says lead singer, Tom: “Sometimes our music tastes clash but I suppose it works quite well.”

Their lyrics are a product of transforming mundane day-to-day occurrences into relevant verses. “We’re inspired by the little everyday things,” Luke tells me. “Our lyrics aren’t about love or anything.”

So what makes the band different from current music? They deliberate for a moment. “Tom’s voice, it’s lovely,” Steven says. “It’s not your typical singing voice,” Tom agrees. “But it’s not a style as such, it’s probably because I struggle to sing so I try and mask it with unique vocals.” Having listened to their SoundCloud, I know he is being modest.

The five boys are all self-taught musicians which makes their sound unorthodox, yet catchy and appealing. Their ability to interchange between instruments shows they are a talented bunch.

How do they cope with the difficult task of balancing uni work with band duties? “Being Fine Art students, a lot of our work is done in studio time, then we try to meet for band practice at least three times a week. Generally we do OK,” Tom says. “Although, I think I get more excited about the music than my work.”

The boys practice at their home in Surbiton but after their first noise complaint they will have to find another rehearsal space.

Germolean are currently in the process of recording their songs at the Kingston Hill campus music studio. Tom says: “The quality of our SoundCloud isn’t great so we’re hoping to make full use of the studio on campus to produce a few songs that will help us progress.” The band have already performed at various venues in and around Kingston and plan to promote themselves further with the help of Banquet Records who runs gigs and club nights including New Slang and Repeater Sessions.

The five seem to have it sussed. They are working hard, playing hard and generally loving life. After uni they plan to stay in London and take Germolean as far as they can. Tom says: “We have quite a nice life at the moment. We make art in the day and music at night, it’s a bit scary that it’s going to end.”

Keep following Mouth to find out more about Germolean’s up-and-coming gig dates.
Listen to their SoundCloud at http://soundcloud.com/germolean