Pat and Greg Kane, the brothers behind Hue & Cry, have never been shy about wearing their influences on their sleeves. Bluesy new single Duty To The Debtor continues the Glasgow band's tradition of fiery political and social commentary which harks back to the days of their first hit Labour Of Love - a funk-pop workout with harrowing lyrics about growing up in Thatcher's Britain.
Famed during the 80s, as much for their outspoken political lyrics as their hit singles and albums, the years certainly haven't dulled the Kane brother's passion. Lead singer Pat explains that the new single is "a meditation on post-Katrina New Orleans and a mad political dream about Scotland's banks and the financial crisis." Pianist Greg is keen to highlight that the song is also a musical tribute which "attempts to evoke the bittersweet spirit of New Orleans."
With this in mind, it was something of a strange co-incidence when the video for Duty To The Debtor suffered from some severe weather problems itself. The irony was not lost on the band with Pat explaining, "We had a natural disaster on the first day of shooting. The son of Hurricane Bawbag blew in to town as we were filming and we had to postpone the shoot."
The video shows the band performing in what appears to be a sleazy New Orleans nightclub and then walking around a seemingly devastated post-hurricane Katrina city. However, the entire video was actually shot in Glasgow, with exterior scenes shot at Govan docks and the Classic Grand nightclub substituting for a Louisiana jazz club.
"The Classic Grand looked like a sweaty dive in the New Orleans Latin Quarter" explains Pat. "Glasgow can look like any other city in the world if you look at it the right way. We filmed at Govan docks where you have these evocative old buildings and disused Customs Houses. The whole area looks like it has been devastated by some catastrophe."
In the mid 1980's, Hue & Cry were leading lights in Scotland's vibrant music scene. Their second album Remote spawned hits in Violently and Looking for Linda while selling over 300,000 copies in the process. Along with contemporaries Deacon Blue and Wet, Wet, Wet, the band would help redefine a slick pop style for Scottish music during the economic woes of the era.
Pat can see similarities with the timing of their new release, joking that, "I don't know whether we bring on these political crisis with our songs?"
However, the band had reason to be cheerful recently, admitting they were delighted to be included on STV's Greatest Scottish Album programme for their 1986 single Labour Of Love. Greg explains, "It's the record people seem to pick up on,' with Pat adding that it "was a great idea for a TV programme - having an online community and discussion around it."
But the Kane brothers are not ones for living in the past. They are already gearing up for their yearly Hot Wire Weekend which takes place March 30th and 31st at the ABC in Glasgow.
"We spend two days meeting and talking with fans, playing acoustic sets, giving seminars. It's a cosy, affirming experience and we feel connected with the people who like our music the most. Greg adds that, "people come from all over the world, not just Scotland. It's a great two days and we are really looking forward to it."
Their new album Hot Wire is influenced by musical greats like Stevie Wonder, Isaac Hayes and James Brown. Greg admits that although he wanted to make a funk record, his brother Pat wanted to make an album of contemplative ballads. They ended up tossing a coin. Composer Greg won the toss and the result is a collection of funky powerhouse songs which retain the duo's ear for a catchy melody and pop hook. Greg admits that "I've always wanted to make a funk record. At last, we've got it out of our system."
New single Duty to The Debtor is released on March 12th while the album Hot Wire is released on March 19th.
