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The latest release on Precious Recordings of London is a new four track EP from indie-pop melody masters Silver Biplanes.

Following on from two acclaimed Silver Biplanes albums (A Moment In The Sun and Travelling By Candlelight), this ten-inch release features four prime slices of Biplanery, headed by the bittersweet pop of sparklingly catchy lead track ‘Coming Up For Air’.

The group features the husband-and-wife team of Tim and Vanessa Vass, with Tim writing the songs and playing a range of instruments, and Vanessa providing the engaging lead vocals. They are joined by drummer Rob Scott and guitarist Noel Douglas.

Tim was bassist and lyricist in cult indie band Razorcuts, co-writing all their songs. Razorcuts releases regularly featured in the higher reaches of the independent charts throughout the late 80s, and included two top five albums recorded for the iconic Creation label. Razorcuts continue to appear on numerous compilations and their influence is often cited in books and internet articles. Tim has also played in Red Chair Fadeaway, Dandelion Wine and the Forever People.

Vanessa was the singer in 90s indie band the Melons, who released six singles, recorded a couple of BBC sessions for Mark Radcliffe, and were regularly featured in the British music press.

The band’s wide range of influences – psychedelia, post-punk, krautrock and more – are fully on show across this EP, which also features a swirling cover of ‘Miss California Toothpaste 1972’, a standout song on Biff Bang Pow!’s classic 1988 album Love Is Forever. For Tim, the track represents a homage to his former label Creation, as he and fellow Razorcut Gregory Webster used to join BBP! on stage on occasion for twin tambourine duties at Alan McGee’s invitation.