With a series of successful releases under their belts, Glasgow based quartet Conscious Pilot finally unveil their sophomore EP Wipe Clean on October 18th.
Intended to be “swallowed like a pill, rather than eaten with dignity” Wipe Clean builds on the refreshingly upbeat approach Conscious Pilot established in their debut Epoxy Plains, crafting a collection of tracks that are as thought-provoking as they are danceable. From the high-energy ‘God’s Hot Car,’ which explores the chaos of contemporary living, to ‘Roman Architecture,’ a critique of educational and economic inequalities wrapped in an unexpected waltz-to-beat transformation, the band’s knack to blend weighty themes with irresistible melodies shines throughout. Led by Joe Laycock’s baritone howls, Conscious Pilot wrap their thoughts on hedonism, modern art, and the relentless pace of modern life into a cathartic, beat-driven package.
Founded by Joe Laycock and Jack Sharp from the ashes of the theatrical punk group Cheap Teeth, Conscious Pilot are now a fully-formed songwriting beast. Unlike their debut, which was primarily written by Joe and Jack in a more solitary process in their native West Yorkshire, Wipe Clean was crafted collaboratively by the entire band in a shared rehearsal space. With a move to Glasgow and the addition of acclaimed producer/drummer Chris McCrory (Catholic Action, Walt Disco) and guitarist Emmy Leishman (Big Girls Blouse) the EP’s production is a testament to the band’s newfound collaboration as they embrace a more organic approach to songwriting. Recorded in the intimate confines of Glasgow’s Green Door Studio and produced by McCrory, Wipe Clean captures the raw energy and DIY spirit that defines the city’s music scene.
“With our first music as a four piece we wanted to keep the distinctive linear arrangements and melody of our debut, but add in a sense of urgency.” says Conscious Pilot of the EP “A danger that was born out of chemistry and a mutual respect for each other’s creativity. It was written under a spotlight in the middle of a room, each member trying to pip the others to the musical punch line. This resulted in a more confident sound, full of adlibs, spontaneity and fluid dynamics”
Attention must also be drawn to the EP’s closing track ‘Paint It Slowly’, a track originally conceived during the Epoxy Plains era. Initially deemed a misfit, this song finally found its rightful place on Wipe Clean, balancing the collection. This pop-infused anthem carries a clever contradiction: while its infectious rhythm invites listeners to dance, the lyrics offer a sharp critique of art world exclusivity. “The lyrics are about art.” Conscious Pilot says of the track “How it is up its own arse. How, hypothetically, if there was a natural disaster, the art dealers holding the remaining art would become even richer, and how this epitomises the gross exclusivity of it all. We intend to cut that exclusivity by hopefully giving you something you can dance to, dancing being about the most inclusive thing one can do.”