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Paul Haig

Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh, 13 April 2008
When Josef K named their solitary album ‘The Only Fun In Town’ in 1981, it was as dry a statement on Edinburgh nightlife as a band named after a Franz Kafka character could muster. Almost thirty years on, ex Josef K vocalist Paul Haig is still looking for that elusive good time on his equally arch ‘Go Out Tonight’ album. Its release also marks Haig’s first full live gig since 1989, and, after 15 years producing instrumental soundscapes, has seen him find his voice again in a full band situation.

“It had to be done,” says Haig. “I get very nervous about these things, but I’m trying to approach it all in a more relaxed manner and not get too freaked out by it.”

It’s been something of a low-key renaissance for Haig. 2007’s Josef K compilation, ‘Etymology,’ demonstrated their key influence on a new generation of jangular-guitared young men. Following his Cathode Ray project, Haig played special guest star at a tribute to his late friend, collaborator and former Associates singer Billy Mackenzie, then with Nouvelle Vague who’d already covered Josef K’s ‘Sorry For Laughing.’ Record-wise, ‘Go For It’ is a rapid-fire follow-up to last year’s ‘Electronic Audience’ album.

“It’s incredibly bizarre,” says Haig. “It almost seems like yesterday, but nearly every indie band you hear sounds like they could be from 1981. At least I know now I’m not writing into this abyss. ‘Etymology’ even got reviewed in Playboy magazine. Now that’s weird.”

The List, issue 600, 10-24 April 2008

ends

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