’Shady surf pop, that so defies all attempts at being categorized… twisted sense of humour. I gotta recommend this record simply because it is by a top notch songwriter who is running way ahead of the pack though.’ www.thehendersonshatners.com --James Wright / Bubblegum Slut

The Henderson Shatners – Henderson TAPEWYRM RECORDS (WYRM03) Release date 20 September 2004 Brand Violet vocalist Sally-Anne Marsh reviews The Henderson Shatners’ debut album. LOS MUSCULOS. The dramatic piano and strong vocals featured throughout this track create so much tension and romance that I felt like I was being chased by a tangoing matador, knowing eventually that I would face him in a standoff. SPUTNIK BRIDE. Hard for me to comment on this one, as I am so used to hearing myself sing it (originally released by Brand Violet on the SPUTNIK BRIDE EP – ed.); however, I would say this version is more mysterious. ps – where is my credit for the boys and girls bit? SISTER SHIP. I love this romance inspiring song. It is filled with an essence of the early twentieth century, with infectious melodies that carry you back to the decadence of that period. Splendid! THE TULSA CHOP. “Can you forgive me?” he asks. Of course we can, when that fantastic chorus riff kicks in. The guitar and bass working together like Siamese twins to create the ultimate in cool. ORCHARD WAY. This feels as if you are entering you own horror movie shadowed by a character resembling Nick Cave. He’ll take you deep but you will enjoy the ride. COOL TATTOO. A throbbing bass sets the scene for this awesome track. It is completed by clever lyrics, a remarkably catchy, almost cute chorus and layered with backing harmonies that make you feel warm inside. PUNCHLINE. This track made me feel a little uncomfortable. I think it was the contrast between the meandering vocals, the odd harmonies and the driving bass line. THE COURIER’S TRAGEDY. MS-20 mayhem. All I want to know is, does he live or die? Inspired! THE NIGHT BEFORE THE HONEYMOON. I like this song. The backing track is really fun with almost a Big Band feel. I like the vocal on the middle 8, however, some of the verse vocals often feel discordant to me. - Sally-Anne Marsh

The Henderson Shatners - Henderson The Henderson Shatners - Henderson (Tapewyrm Records) As a fan of London's superb Brand Violet, I'm beginning to feel like a band insider when I get sent advance-advance rough mixes of material. What a pleasant surprise then to find that not only can we expect a new Brand Violet ep to be called "The Legend of Ladybeard" out in September, with a track rumoured to be produced by legendary Brian James of The Damned / Lords of the New Church and a video featuring Suicide Girls, but we will also get Pigheart, a new album from Thumpermonkey (Brand Violet's guitar player) and debut album Henderson from The Henderson Shatners (Brand Violet's bass player). In this bag however I have only rough mixes of Henderson, modestly titled debut of The Henderson Shatners. Simply put, this it what it would sound like if you were chased off the set of Kill Bill 3 and down Mulholland Drive. Henderson is at times charming and confusing, brilliant and startlingly simply. As a native Spanish speaker, I found 'Los Musculos' vaguely insulting. And superbly entertaining. I listened to it three times in a row, and that's the first track! We are then treated to three solid pop songs ranging from the throbbing overdriven drums of Sputnik Bride (also a Brand Violet track but the two couldn't be more different), the almost too clever Sister Ship and the 1950s crooner The Tulsa Chop. We then head down Orchard Way, which I would describe as Voodoo Blues? With some sort of very frightening lunatic muttering in the background. Then three more pop-rock tracks, including the album's obvious, standout pop single Cool Tattoo and the less charming and utterly predictable Punchline, probably the album's weakest track in composition if not mood. Though the hand claps are a nice touch. The Courier's Tragedy must be heard, but don't listen to it (1) late at night (2) using headphones if you are alone. It all ends on the impossibly upbeat yet eerie big band extravaganza (and well-titled) The Night Before The Honeymoon. I heartily recommend you tune into any one of Tapewyrm Records new trio of offerings! - Juan dos Passos Added: August 2nd 2004

This album could be the soundtrack to the house from Psycho fighting with Quentin Tarantino, while the three smiley backing singers from 'Stars in their Eyes' stand clicking their fingers, swaying gently from side to side and singing nursery rhymes. Don't take this album too seriously because it could be bad for your blood pressure…elements of beach side surf pop mix with dark, cross dressing insanity and the result is either a curdled, fermented mess or songwriting genius depending on your orientation. Call the men in white coats. As soon as you're in the comfort zone, you're starting to enjoy this and you think you've got it sussed, they throw the cat among the pigeons and make you twitchy again. Pianos, guitars, synths, FX, hand claps…loads of stuff live in this strange place and work together to create a positively uneasy mush. Chris Corrigan / www.gigs-unlimited.co.uk