desc biography

we're sad to say desc have now parted with us. we're all still friends but their forthcoming debut album "safe and brilliant" will be released on another label. below is a biography, last updated in august 2003.

desc are:
dan mutch - guitar/vocals
helena macgilp - violin/vocals
john mackie - bass
pete harvey - cello
alun thomas - drums/percussion/vocals

desc began in 2001.

dan, john and pete had been playing together for five years as members of khaya. they recorded three albums for sl records and recorded two sessions for john peel. they gained a reputation as "sonic alchemists with pop magic dancing from their fingertips" (NME).

desc released their first album 'up here in the heat' on sl records in march 2002 to critical bewilderment. 'up here in the heat' was intended to be minimal and dark, a skeleton. they spent a year carefully removing all unnecessary parts, leaving the raw wires exposed.

after the release of 'up here in the heat' they played tours in holland and the uk. they recorded four songs for an exhibition of photographic works by helena macgilp and also the soundtrack for a short film, 'Heel' by b-list productions, to be shown at the edinburgh film festival.

desc are inspired by many things but to put their songs into context they have been said to sound like an acoustic sonic youth or ennio morricone on speed.

their latest cd is called “4 songs by desc” and is a limited edition ep, released in 2003 on sl records.