Ryan's Gig Guide - February 2018

r gg Feb 2018 - p.6 WWW. R YA N S G I G G U I D E . C OM We meet the day the media jumps on Eric Clap- ton’s claim that guitar music is dying. But for Amoeba Teen, who are celebrating their twentieth anniversary, the response is characteristically non- chalant. “The guitar’s not dying, nor are paint brushes or chisels – they’re just tools to get a job done. Besides, I’m sure the Ginger Busker has helped shift a few acoustic guitars and loop pedals,” argues Mark Britton, the band’s rhythm guitarist and one half of the band’s songwriting team. I consider Ed Sheeran’s response to the nickname, then carry on. The guitar is the cornerstone of Amoeba Teen’s sound, underpinning a mix of memorable melodies and lush harmonies reminiscent of Teenage Fanclub. But I note a curious, gritty punk ethic too, more akin to one of NeilYoung’s ramshackle moments than the snotty aggression of Johnny Rotten.And if you add a dash of Americana, you’re halfway to deciphering this band’s DNA. Formed in the frenzied Britpop years, Amoeba Teen were born stubborn though patient. MikeTurner, lead guitarist and the other half of the writing duo: ”In- stead of strutting around like a poor man’s Jarvis AmoebaTeen Come Of Age From making music with bottle tops, inciting a riot, and being invited by a top LA promotor to playThe Cavern… Stourbridge’s AmoebaTeen return with a new single and the battle scars to prove it. Dominic Gittens gets his boxing gloves on to investigate.