Chris Thomson

The jangle pop sound of Scotland's Postcard label may have been the predominate influence on the country's underground musicians in the early '80s, but Chris Thomson (vocals, rhythm guitar) defied the trend and still continues to follow his own artistic calling. Originally a member of the punk group the Craniums, Thomson formed Friends Again in 1982 with James Grant (lead guitar, vocals), Neil Cunningham (bass), Paul McGeechan (keyboards), and Stuart Kerr (drums). Instead of emulating the Postcard formula, Friends Again courageously bared their funk and country influences, and Thomson was often compared to David Bowie. The band was signed to CBS Records, and in 1984 they released their debut LP, Trapped and Unwrapped. However, the album was not successful, and when Grant departed from Friends Again that year, the group split up. Thomson then formed the Bathers, recording the LP Unusual Places to Die in 1987. Darker and moodier than Friends Again, the Bathers reflected Thomson's uncompromisingly independent vision; exchanging his Bowie-esque vocals for a Tom Waits-like growl, Thomson's work with the Bathers earned him the most critical acclaim he'd ever acquired. In 1990 the Bathers released Sweet Deceit on Island Records to glowing reviews. But Sweet Deceit, like Unusual Places to Die, was a commercial dud; instead of dropping the band, Island Records asked Thomson to collaborate with guitarist Neil Clarke and drummer Stephen Irvine, formerly of Lloyd Cole & the Commotions. Naming themselves Bloomsday, they recorded Fortuny. The album received little attention in the U.K. press, and much of it was negative. Feeling indifferent to Bloomsday's more rock-oriented approach, Thomson returned to the Bathers. In 1993, the Bathers were offered a contract by the German label Marina Records. Marina Records released three Bathers albums -- Lagoon Blues, Sunpowder, and Kelvingrove Baby -- before the group signed with Wrasse Records in 1999, recording the album Pandemonia. ~ Michael Sutton, All Music Guide