To Those We Have Lost (well nearly)..
By Michael Pattison
A brief introduction to some classic ‘lost’ tracks from former or semi-former (if that exists) Wigan bands. This may induce the slightly more mature reader to reminisce, and/or scorn and become nasal at such a backward looking and archaic article, as well as hopefully encouraging the slightly younger reader to think that Wigan has (and can still) produced actual propa gud musik like, and not the dirge that got showcased at Haigh Hall this year.
1. Gunpowder Plot 
Contrary to the whole premise of this article, and their myspace url, this band still occasionally rear their collectively ugly head to play one-off reunion gigs. The last one at the Tudor last July must have given the owners minor heart palpitations – moshing (the likes seen by hardcore H & M emo kids) galore, though often inadvertently descending into the shamefully lost schoolyard game of a mass ‘all pile-on’ due to a number of failed crowd surfing/stage diving attempts. Subtopia is a surefire classic, encumbering spiky, catchy reggae-punk guitars, angst-ridden vocals, and cool rhythms. We could go on - inherently effervescent, poppy (surprising as the band normally explored more punk/thrash avenues) and annoyingly catchy.
Listen - ‘Subtopia’
Here - www.myspace.com/gunpowderplotdiedin2004
2. The Zeema Zees/Free Mojo
Possessing a sweet driving riff, the alt.blues/rock Canal Street loving chaps produce a cute song you’d love to take back and show your mum (more than what could be said of taking the singer back). Innate with tales of migraine inducing girls, amiably supported by swirling guitars and powerful, bordering tribal, drums, this song was due to be released by Don’t Tell Clare records before the band decided to call it a day due to money and bad hair issues. The singer can oft be seen playing the party boy round town on a weekend night, and was actually cited as a peripheral influence behind several Arctic Monkeys songs (though surprisingly not the ‘the band were fucking wank and I’m not having a nice time’ lyric, that was reserved for watching the 5-0s).
Listen - ‘One Touch, One Chance’
Here - www.myspace.com/zeemazees
3. Corinthians 
Mooted to be big in Japan (well, selling 10 copies of their first single, still no mean albeit surprising/surreal feat), Corinthians disbanded in 2006, although the singer has a new venture in the form of the brilliant Total Victory. Channelling all the goodness of noisy post-punk into an altogether accessible upbeat pop record, they had a more subversive Franz Ferdinand attitude of wanting to make ‘sweaty/sweddy Sonic Youth fans dance’.
Listen - ‘We Can Find A Market’
Here - www.myspace.com/versusrome
4. The Beat Poet 
Best summed up by gay fanboy Neil Jarvis – ‘The band wrote beautifully crafted post-punk and their songs have been described by Manchester Music as ‘sheer masterpieces.’ Offering up a wonderful mix of post-punk/progressive rock and ‘occasional free form jazz’ the group who often swap instruments during their live show have a unique blended sound reminiscent of groups such as Fugazi, At The Drive-In and Q And Not U, with lead vocalist Ben Wolland, having a voice previously likened to Tim Buckley’s. Generic conventions of a classic Beat Poet song - awkward key-changes, out-of-synch drumming and big shoes (the band were once turned down by a willing record label for their choice of footwear!)’.
Listen - ‘Kill Me I’m Melting’
Here - www.myspace.com/killmeimmelting
5. Filthy Romance 
Before splitting, rebanding as The Laurents, splitting again, re-re-banded to resurrect the original name, Filthy Romance, before another ride on the cycle, to emerge as Lux Decorus, this band produce/d dirty, funky, and sleazy 60s physcdelic blues rock. Armed with a ridiculously smooth and meandering bass line, sharp lead guitars, and laid-back vocals, ‘The Game’ won the band many plaudits, even deriving invitations for the band to play at the prestigious La Fleche D’or venue in Paris.
Listen - ‘The Game’
Here - www.myspace.com/luxdecorus
