The High Llamas - Gideon Gaye

The High Llamas’ classic 90s output comes back to life available to independent retailers on vinyl for the first time in over twenty years. The vibrant and colourful sweep of this remarkable six-album arc shines in new pressings of the original masters, including the first- ever vinyl pressing for their debut album, ‘Santa Barbara’.

The High Llamas were founded by Sean O’Hagan (emerging from a high-flying eight year run with Microdisney), Jon Fell, Marcus Holdaway and Rob Allum. Special note should be made of the work of Charlie Francis throughout the creation of the first three albums. As engineer / backing vocalist / synth player / and co-producer, his long hours of dedication and commitment earned him the title of honorary High Llama.

This brave foray into conceptual art music produced a jaw-dropping reset on the 20th century pop perspective. The High Llamas engaged songwriting and production with an eye toward filmmaking. Digging through ephemera of choice vintages with post- modern zest, they struck a rich vein they could call their own – a kind of gothic Americana, formal aspects pushed to extremes. The spirit of discovery here can be vibrantly felt over 30 years later.