The Freeze (Scottish band)
| Company type | Punk band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Founder | Gordon Sharp, David Clancy, Keith Grant |
| Defunct | 1981 |
| Successor | Cindytalk |
| Headquarters | Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
The Freeze was a punk ensemble from Edinburgh that operated between 1976 and 1981. Founders Gordon Sharp and David Clancy sought a grittier, more intense sound, which ultimately led to the band's transformation into Cindytalk in 1982.
History
Established in 1976 by school friends Gordon Sharp, David Clancy, and Keith Grant from Linlithgow, West Lothian, The Freeze expanded in 1977 with the addition of George Falconer, a drummer from Grangemouth. Their significant gigs involved opening for Dunfermline’s The Skids, performing both original tracks and covers of artists such as The Ramones and Brian Eno. Diverging from conventional punk, their style was more reminiscent of groups like Television and Talking Heads, with Clancy utilizing effects pedals to enhance the soundscape and Sharp exploring innovative guitar methods to produce unique tones. Early on, both Sharp and Falconer demonstrated an affinity for synthesizer-based music, drawing inspiration from musicians like Vangelis, which was unusual within the punk scene at that time.
Following Falconer’s departure to join Falkirk’s "The Deft Jerks," Sharp kept steering the band’s distinctive musical direction, often challenging punk aesthetic conventions through his personal style. By 1977, with Graeme Radin replacing Falconer on drums and under the management of their English teacher Alastair Allison—who also penned lyrics—the band toured across Scotland supporting notable punk and new wave acts. They independently issued two 7-inch records through Allison’s A1 label: the 1979 EP In Colour and the 1980 single "Celebration/Crossover." Attracting the attention of John Peel, The Freeze recorded two sessions at Maida Vale studios for his radio program.
In 1982, the band adopted the name Cindytalk and moved to London. The following year, Gordon Sharp collaborated with fellow Central Scotland musicians Cocteau Twins, lending vocals for their second Peel session. The debut album by Cindytalk, Camouflage Heart, released in 1984 to critical acclaim, coincided with Sharp’s vocal contributions on This Mortal Coil’s It'll End in Tears. This included the indie chart-topping track "Kangaroo", which featured prominently in Peel’s Festive 50 of that year. Cindytalk has continued producing music and remains active.
Members
- Gordon Sharp – lead vocals
- David Clancy – guitar, keyboards, saxophone
- Keith Grant – bass guitar
- George Falconer – drums
- Graeme Radin – drums
- Neil Braidwood – drums, keyboards
- Mike Moran – bass guitar
Discography
- In Colour (7-inch vinyl, 1979)
- A1. Paranoia
- A2. For J.P.S. (With Love & Loathing)
- B1. Psychodalek Nightmares
Composed by Clancy, Sharp, Grant, Radin, Allison. Violin on "Psychodalek Nightmares" performed by Roy Jack.
- Celebration (7-inch vinyl, 1980)
- A. Celebration
- B. Cross-Over
Written by Clancy, Sharp, Grant, Radin. Features saxophone by Sandy Cruikshanks on "Cross-Over." This release pays tribute to silent film icon Louise Brooks, including a cover image of her.
Peel Sessions
| Date | Tracks | Lineup and Instruments |
|---|---|---|
| 20 November 1980 |
|
Gordon Sharp – vocals David Clancy – guitar, keyboards Keith Grant – bass Graeme Radin – drums |
| 19 August 1981 |
|
Gordon Sharp – vocals David Clancy – guitar, keyboards, saxophone Neil Braidwood – drums, keyboards Mike Moran – bass |