Formed from the dying embers of the indie rock outfit that was Solaris, The Generous Things have made it their mission to bring bittersweet melodies, loud guitars and raw animal magnetism to stages across the UK. The aforementioned animal magnetism still appears to be a work in progress but rest assured that all other boxes are ticked!
The Generous Things are fronted by singer, guitarist and principal song-writer Andrew. Combining introspective lyrics, a love of minor chords and an 'interesting' line in on-stage banter, he has been the band's driving force through thick and thin. Early musical forays include the ill-fated Fetish (which included current Generous Things drummer, Johnny) and Riser while there are unconfirmed rumours that he moonlights as a James Dean Bradfield impersonator of an evening.
Bass player Mike is the most recent addition to the band's line up and he boasts an extensive and varied musical history. However, he actually got the job when he explained that he doesn't own cowboy boots, a waistcoat or any bizarre facial hair (believe me, these things are important!). As if playing bass guitar wasn't sufficient proof of insanity, Mike must be the only man in Edinburgh willing to get to rehearsals on a motorcycle in gale force winds with a bass guitar strapped to his back... and he doesn't like football... and he plays rugby... he's clearly barking!!!
Guitarist Paul was rescued from covers-band hell by The Generous Things and quickly established himself an integral part of the GT sound. Paul gives his pre-GTs musical highlight as being a gig where his band was booked to play a 60's night. A stunning set of rock n roll classics was prepared and Paul and co arrived ready to raise the roof. Their enthusiasm was quickly dampened however when it became apparent that the venue boss had made a catastrophic error and this was actually an OVER 60's night! Big amps and an expansive drum kit may well be the foundation for rock hedonism but throw in a room full of pensioners primed for bingo and easy listening and only carnage could come of it! (This story is absolutely true incidentally)
The final piece of The Generous Things' jigsaw is drummer Johnny. His major claim to fame is that he has been in more bands with crap names than anyone else in the whole of christendom. The best of these (and I mean the best name) was The Throbbers, a teenage punk outfit featuring Bobby Awe of Shock and Awe while the other end of the scale includes a couple of gigs played as part of The Cheesy Peas. One other band was named after the singer's cat but even Johnny is too embarrassed to reveal further details of that one. Fortunately none of these acts troubled the chart compilers in any way so let's hope time can heal these wounds without further damage...
"Entertaining" The Skinny
"Soon to be regulars on the festival circuit" The Scotsman
"Ace!" 13G Promotions