[Davenhurst]

I have to do this, I have to keep banging on about Slint because they were such an awesome band.

If you've heard Britt Walford's drumming you'll know why this means a lot to me, take a really close listen to "Good Morning, Captain" from Spiderland and check out what this guy's doing. It's not all over the place or really wild, but the feel of the playing is second to none. The use of accents and phrasing really opened my eyes when I first heard it, and he throws in the most unexpected little fills and ghost-notes that just make so much sense in the context of the (excellent) music. Some of what he plays is quite unusual (in a way), where a lot of drummers would have put a fairly standard beat, he constructs a sort of lead drum line to work with the arrangements and dynamics of the other instruments. It's often very subtle but consistently innovative and emotional. One of the best drummers around by a long shot, I'd say.

[Q Factor]

Is Slint from the UK?

[Davenhurst]

No, they were from Louisville, Kentucky and recorded 2 albums and a 2-track 10" in the early 90s. (Actually, the first record was released in 89).

They split after the second album "Spiderland" was released, but briefly reformed for the 10" in about 94. (I think). Since then people around the world have discovered Spiderland and in certain circles it's rated as a masterpiece. I certainly agree with that claim. Bands like Mogwai have Slint to thank for their entire career, basically.

They reformed briefly last year for a tour, I caught a show here in the UK but for me the sound of the band is wrapped up in the recordings, words can't describe my reaction to them.

The members of Slint went on to do various different things musically, and this is where it becomes a bit of a rock family tree....

David Pajo was briefly in Tortoise (I posted a video link somewhere....) and did a bunch of solo recordings under various names (M, Aerial M, Papa M, Pajo...) as well as collaborating with people like Will Oldham (Bonny "Prince" Billy) and many others. Everything he does is quality, in my opinion. He was also in Zwan with Billy Corgan, while they lasted. Not quite so good but it's no secret that Corgan pulls the strings in whatever he does.

Brian McMahon formed "The For Carnation" who are one of my favourite bands, their last album was a triumph of atmospheric, dark and dynamic music. Hard to describe but great.

Ethan Buckler left Slint between the two albums and now plays with King Kong.

Todd Brashear stopped doing music except for the odd appearance, again with artists like Bonny "Prince" Billy. He now runs a video store in Kentucky.

Britt Walford is a drumming hero of mine, apart from Slint he appeared on a track on the last The For Carnation album and also played on one of The Breeders albums under a pseudonym.

You wanted a full history, right?