Strawberry Switchblade (named after an early unreleased Orange Juice song) were a Glasgow-based duo of Jill Bryson (vocals, guitar) and Rose McDowall (vocals, guitar), who combined a fragile, melodic pop style with a riotous visual image involving polka dot dresses, cheap bangles, frills and ribbons.
Rose was already playing the drums with another group but it was the desire to get out front and sing that encouraged her to learn the two guitar chords Jill knew, and after recruiting two girls to play bass and drums they were ready for their first gig.
Despite having a happy pop sound, their lyrics expressed sadness. Their debut single, Trees and Flowers (1983) was written as a result of Jill’s agoraphobia.
With added studio assistance from Roddy Frame of Aztec Camera and Mark ‘Bedders’ Bedford of Madness, the single reached #4 in the UK independent chart.
The duo found national success in late 1984 with the chirpy Since Yesterday and were feted by the music media.
An over-produced debut album, far removed from the simplicity of Trees and Flowers, entered the UK Top 25 but failed to provide the expected run of hit singles. Their last hit came in 1985 with a cover of the Dolly Parton classic, Joelene.
Following the break-up of the group, Rose attempted to revive her career without Jill – working under the name Candy Cane – but met with little success.
Jill Bryson
Vocals, guitar Rose McDowall
Vocals, guitar
Video
Related Posts
Rose of Avalanche This Leeds-based goth-tinged band revolved around Phil Morris (vocals) and Paul James Berry (guitar), with the remainder of the line-up…
Fall, The 1989. Manchester was in the ascendant, Indie bands were being collected like trinkets by major labels, and The Fall (formed…
W.A.S.P. On stage, they drank fake blood from a human skull, whipped a half-naked woman tied to a torture rack and…
Bamboos, The By the time this Perth (Australia) band's debut LP, Rarer Than Rocking Horse Shit, was released on vinyl it was already…
Lloyd Cole & The Commotions Formed in 1983 in the famous Tennants Bar in Glasgow, they built a reputation for studenty, jangly and thoughtful guitar-pop.…
Agent Orange This trio from Fullerton in Orange County, California, specialised in the unlikely combination of punk and surf music. Led by…
Flaming Lips, The From their obscure acid punk beginnings in Oklahoma City in 1983, through to critical acclaim in the 90s and mainstream…
Tactics With origins in Canberra (Australia) in 1977, and founded by singer, songwriter and guitarist David Studdert, Tactics relocated to Sydney…
