If you want to know where it all started you have to take a step back to Bristol circa 1990. The ‘Bristol scene’ was still in its’ infancy. At the time it was nothing more than a loose and rambling network of musicians, artists, rappers, DJ’s, film makers and assorted hedonists. The attitude was distinctly ‘left field’ … beatnik …call it what you will. One of the most left field of these collaborations were The Insects – who were writing instrumental music and putting on multi media film shows with a group of local film makers and animators. The music which emerged - with its’ slowed-down beats and cinematic textures, was highly in tune with the embryonic ‘Bristol sound’ which was happening at the same time. No surprise that The Insects were asked to work with Massive Attack on the ‘Protection’ album. They contributed two tracks -'Karma Coma' and 'Eurochild' to that album and did further work with Tricky, Goldfrapp and various members of Portishead .
Around the same time The Insects started writing soundtracks – initially for the BBC Natural History Unit based in Bristol, winning an Emmy Award along the way for the score to ‘Life at the Edge’.They wrote the score for cult animation movie ‘The Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb’ – many of whose crew now work for Aardman Animation,with whom the Insects have a long term relationship. They write music for the UK’s top crime drama series ‘Wire in the Blood’,and have contributed scores for a number of movies – the latest being the soundtrack for British horror movie ‘Creep’. (you can check our full CV in the blog above)
Currently we are working with The Flies - a new collaboration with former Spiritualized member Sean Cook and recently signed to No Carbon records.The album,due to be released later this year,was recorded over a two year period . The first songs were the result of a few late night informal sessions with Sean - but it quickly developed a style and momentum of its' own. At the heart of it are some truly great vocals and lyrics from Sean.You can hear more Flies songs at www.the-flies.com or on myspace at www.myspace.com/thefliesmusic
You can listen to more a lot more Insects music at our web site. www.theinsects.co.uk..