Ernest: (Pimps, B**ches and) Superheroes By Elsie Creek

Ernest have progressed quite steadily in the two years since they formed. Some bands make a big entrance and disappear just as fast, while others go on for years wondering why they don't get the recognition they deserve. However; for this four-piece from Hedon, the hard work is paying off, with progressively better gigs and support slots and a growing fan base round the UK.

An example of their inspired promotional techniques is T in the Park, where they handed out mini-demo CDs as people left the event - they got their music heard, and got a lot of positive feedback too.

Their five-track EP, (Pimps, B**ches and) Superheroes, is a good taster of their material. Ernest's sound is difficult to describe concisely, as even within individual songs the style varies considerably. Those in the know tend to class it as funky, melodic indie, which does as a starting point. It's pretty chilled-out stuff, with melancholy undercurrents in even the more upbeat tracks, but there are good rhythms, funky sections and some bright, jangly guitar-work which contrasts strangely with the doleful vocals.

The lyrics really need to be read separately, as it is difficult to get their meaning from listening to the music. The band have kindly typed them up for the CD sleeve, but for those who can't make out the words through the strange local photography it is worth paying a visit to the website, www.ernestnet.com. There, you can also find out what the songs are supposed to be about - it wasn't entirely what I expected, and I've read the sleeve.

I suspect that a fair amount of credit for the creation that is Ernest has to go to drugs, though I mean that in the nicest possible way. With surreal and apparently nonsensical lyrics and segues into random instrumentals, their music is a glimpse into another world which, while quite like our own, seems both more laid-back and more interesting.

Track 1, Growzer, is about drug-induced festival experiences, while Track 3, Apple Core, is about getting smashed in the sunshine in Paull. Other themes include Star Wars and council estate losers, plus of course there is the obligatory love song, inspired by Lauryn Hill of all people.

A well-meaning fan suggested that Ernest might consider shortening some of their tracks in order to improve their popular appeal (the average track length on the EP is around 5.45) but the band wasn't sure that would be possible. It seems the songs grow almost organically, and whatever they may once have been about, they are now entities in their own rights. It is worth buying the CD, as you can get something different from the tracks each time you hear them, and they are easy enough on the ear not to become tiresome.

As is only proper with good bands, Ernest are better live than tinned, but you are unlikely to get many opportunities to catch them locally. They do get about a bit, and nowadays they even have their own sound engineer and a pet guitar technician to take with them. Recent and upcoming gigs include The Cavern in Liverpool, an HMV showcase in Leeds, Night & Day in Manchester, Swansea University and W14 Club in London ( for which coach tickets will be on sale - ask the band for details).

There has been some record label interest as well, so they are unlikely to be in the area a great deal in the months ahead.

I would naturally recommend going to see Ernest before taking that big step and buying the CD, so if you get the opportunity you should pop along to the Adelphi on Friday (24th September 2004), where they should be playing with Radio 1 darlings Lyca Sleep ..who have unfortunately had to cancel, but Coventry band Otto Gono will be there - they rock, apparently.

For more information on gigs and stuff you can get in touch with the band by emailing pushbuttons@hotmail.com.

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