The Bathers
Biography The Bathers
The Bathers
were formed in Glasgow in 1985. They formed after Chris Thomson’s previous group Friends Again split up. Initially, The Bathers were a vehicle for singer-songwriter Chris Thomson. However, in 1987, The Bathers secured their first record deal with Go! Discs Records, and released their debut album Unusual Places To Die.
The Bathers are unlike most bands. They’re enigmatic, almost reclusive and publicity shy. Quite simply, The Bathers aren’t exactly your normal band. Not for them the rock “n” roll lifestyle favoured by other bands. In many ways, musical fashions and fads didn’t affect them. Their attitude was almost contrarian. Albums were recorded slowly and methodically. It was as if The Bathers were striving for perfection. On Kelvingrove Baby and Pandemonia, they almost achieved the impossible. What’s more they did it their way.
Chris Thomson
During his first year of his English literature degree, the allure of being in a band proved irresistible and formed the much revered Friends Again. They were snapped up by Phonogram Records and released several well-received singles and an album.
Due to a difference in musical tastes the band split up in 1985 when Chris started the Bathers. He secured a deal with Andy Macdonald's fast-rising Go! Discs and released the album "unusual places to die" in 1987. Political dispute and label politics scuppered the album at release and there was no chance of capitalising on the enthusiastic reception accorded to the record. Chris went back to the drawing board and produced "sweet deceit". The album was released in 1990 by Island and was, again, critically acclaimed. Unfortunately Island entered a period of chaos and sackings and the album was doomed a token release. A flirtation with two key members of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions followed in the form of the Bloomsday album "Fortuny". The bathers then signed to the German label Marina and three fine albums were released - "lagoon blues" (1993), "sunpowder" (1995) and then "kelvingrove baby" (1997) although Chris had a very good relationship with Marina he felt that a label nearer home would be preferable.
