Roads To Siam loves the riff, low frequencies, repetition, My Sherona, heavy strings, light melodies, pop, rhythm, soul, spinach, pencils, volume, the experience, industry, reverie, intoxication, growth, exploring, warping, hypnosis, passion ...
The band is Mark Guthrie, formerly of The Supernaturals, his brother Sean (time served in AC Acoustics and Motor Life Co), Chris Grove (also formerly of Motor Life Co) and Terry Nelson. They dabble in a number of often instrumental styles, the common denominator being tight, puckish rhythm work.
The first line-up, featuring AC Acoustics' Dave Gormley on second kit, made their debut in 2001 at The 13th Note Cafe in Glasgow. The best part of a decade on and after a couple of line-up changes, Roads To Siam is in good health with the introduction of keyboard player Nelson, who joined initially to flesh out the trio's soundtrack work for independent film Living With The Tudors, co-directed by the Guthries' sister Karen.
The band previously contributed a number of songs - performed in styles including Nashville C&W and digital rock - to Bata-ville: We Are Not Afraid Of The Future, Karen's first film in collaboration with long-time artistic cohort Nina Pope. For the soundtrack they brought in Dave McGowan, sometime Teenage Fanclub collaborator, and Stevie Jackson of Belle And Sebastian.
Fast forward two years and with Nelson's involvement a logical extension of the band's thirst for collaboration, he was welcomed into the fold early in 2007. After a typically long gestation - the band have played no more than a dozen shows since their inception - Roads To Siam ended a three-year live silence in September 2007 at Nice And Sleazy, Glasgow. The following year saw a show at the same venue in January with friends The European Union and a December appearance alongside Divorce and Stage Blood at Stereo.
