A.R. Kane / i / Rough Trade

Over the 40 years since their release I`ve played the A.R. Kane singles “When You’re Sad” and “Lollita” frequently. However, I’d rarely gone back to the album “i”, apart from the track, “A Love From Outer Space”, which I remain admittedly obsessed with. In preparation for interviewing Rudy Tambala, one half of the influential duo, I spent a very enjoyable hour with the long-player, listening and looking for clues. Speculating at sources of inspiration and listing possible points of reference, trying to spot links to potential likeminded contemporaries. A.R. Kane themselves, I know, would be adamant that they sounded like no one else. I could hear echoes of label mates like Rough Trade’s Scritti Politti – “The Sweetest Girl” – 4AD’s Cocteau Twins – whose appearance on TV really did kickstart A.R. Kane – and future collaborators Colourbox – particularly their Jacob Miller cover. There’s also The Jesus & Mary Chain – in the feedback and walls of treated guitar – check “Conundrum” – and…