Music for people who like music who like people who like music...
Even for a scene as incestuous as East London’s, Virginia Wing is taking the rip. Featuring members of bands like Let's Wrestle, Proper Ornaments and La La Vasquez, amongst other projects, they could be considered to be Dalston’s very first super-supergroup, if that’s even possible.
However, if you think you can divine what they sound like through listening to their component parts, then you’d better think again. Making the perfect music for summer days spent lying in the park watching butterflies and staring at passenger jets, Virginia Wing’s organ-led blend of paisley jangle, wistful melodies, driving indie rock and even the odd bit of Gregorian chanting includes easily some of the nicest sounds to find their way on to cassettes in nigh on thirty years.
Whilst I’ve heard them likened to everyone from Guided By Voices to The Chills, their sound really reminds me of the bands that came out of the late hippy scene back in the '60s, where bands with names like The Great! Society, Vanilla Fudge and Pesky Gee! would make these strange, churning rock jams that felt like you were having an acid trip on a tractor ride through a Constable painting.
They've got a small, two-track cassette out on Sexbeat and shows lined up at Kristina Records and The Waiting Rooms next month, so I caught up with lead-singer Sam Pillay to find out a little bit more
Divination by Virginia Wing
Who is Virginia Wing? Judging from Facebook, you seem to have quite a few members...
Virginia Wing is myself, Wesley Patrick Gonzalez, Merida Richards and Sebastian Truskolaski. There are other people who allege to be members, but they are merely pretenders to the throne.
How come you've decided to start Virginia Wing? Is it an outlet for some of the stuff you can't do with Let's Wrestle?
I'd like there to be some sort of divine intention behind the formation of this band, but ultimately it isn't the case. Writing songs is what I do and this is a vehicle to play them to people.
How would you describe your sound?
However you'd like me to. Music for people who like music for people who like music for people who like music. Music.
You've got a tape out at the moment – what's the plan after that?
Keep playing those songs. Other than that, we'll see what comes our way.
Who or what is 'Virginia Wing' anyway?
Virginia Wing is the name of Grace Slick's mother. Her own life was completely at odds with her daughter's but she remained supportive. I liked the sentiment behind that. To try and appreciate the motivation even if the end result ain’t your thing.
Virginia Wing play an instore at Kristina Records tomorrow (Wednesday 28th March) and are playing The Waiting Rooms on Monday 2nd of Apirl. You can order one of the 50, limited edition gold tapes here.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/virginiawingband
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