The Psychedelic Legacy of Broadcast: Final Works and Lasting Influence
#broadcast #vinyl #indiemusic
Broadcast, the iconic band from Birmingham formed in 1995 by Trish Keenan and James Cargill, profoundly impacted the music scene with their unique blend of 1960s psychedelia and avant-garde electronic sounds. Their influences, ranging from the experimental soundscapes of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop to the psychedelic music of The United States of America, shaped a sound that captured the attention of a broad and eclectic audience. Often compared to bands like Stereolab and Portishead, Broadcast helped define avant-pop and dream pop, creating tracks that remain timeless in their innovation.
Broadcast’s musical journey is marked by cult albums such as The Noise Made by People (2000) and Haha Sound (2003), where the duo explored sounds ranging from warped jazz to science fiction atmospheres, constantly pushing the boundaries of psychedelic music. The reduction of the band to a duo, similar to the transformations seen in artists like The Velvet Underground, led to a more intimate yet equally powerful production, culminating in Tender Buttons in 2005, which remains a cornerstone of their discography.
After the tragic passing of Trish Keenan in 2011, James Cargill continued to preserve and honor Broadcast’s legacy. The band’s latest recording, a two-track single titled “Come Back to Me [Demo],” has just been released, offering fans a new opportunity to discover previously unheard tracks recorded before Keenan’s death. This single, part of the band’s final releases under Warp Records, once again showcases Keenan’s ethereal voice and Cargill’s rich compositions. This project follows other recent releases like Distant Call – Collected Demos 2000-2006 and Spell Blanket – Collected Demos 2006-2009, which provide a poignant glimpse into the band’s creative process.
Broadcast’s influence continues to resonate across various genres, inspiring artists such as Deerhunter, Animal Collective, and even iconic figures like Thom Yorke of Radiohead. Their ability to merge retro influences with avant-garde production has expanded the horizons of electronic and psychedelic music, setting a standard that few have managed to match. With the release of “Come Back to Me [Demo],” Broadcast delivers one final reminder of the lasting impact of their music, echoing the legacy left by bands like The Beach Boys with Pet Sounds, which continues to inspire generations of musicians and listeners.
Learn more about Broadcast
