APACHE DROPOUT REVIEWS Apache Dropout formed in Bristol in 1997, the brainchild of ex-Head vocalist Rich Beale and former Spics and Nitecaps guitarist Mike Crawford, who has been known to pluck the six string for Krust and Roni Size. Though originally planned as a studio project, the duo recruited former Crazy Trains and Vice Squad bassist 'Rockin' Jon Chilcott, plus a cast of thousands, and secured a deal with Postcard, resulting in a tour with Edwyn Collins. This album, which was to have been named 'Hey Dopey' never saw the light of day due to the demise of Postcard, but finally, thanks to Sugar Shack, here it is. If the above all seems a little unlikely, listen to the broody and melancholic sounds on offer, topped off with Beale's distinctive vocal style and some off-beat pop touches, and with some perseverance you can see the Postcard connection. Shane Baldwin Record Collector August 2000 Apache Dropout 'Francis' Rich'n'Mick surface with some heroic, melodically fragrant cabin-boyrock. Mentions works of renowned drunk and writer Malcolm Lowry. ROY WILKINSON SELECT AUGUST 2000 APACHE DROPOUT APACHE DROPOUT (SUGAR SHACK) Bristol duo Apache Dropout's self titled debut offering, although encompassing some rather diverse influences (drum 'n' bass to jazz blues), is a rather meek affair. If you like the thought of the New Radicals morphing into Suede with lo-fi lyrics of a melancholic narrator, this could be the album of the fortnight. HOT PRESS AUGUST 2000 7/10 This album was originally scheduled for release in 1996 on ancient indie label Postcard. And where that label's trademark imagery made knowing use of kilts and curling, this duo has similar eyebrows-raised fun with frontier western chic. The music is entirely in keeping, full of mellifluous slide guitar and sounding like some stylized, hyper-real bar band. The best is Francis, which sounds like a collaboration between Billy Idol and The Boatman's Call-period Nick Cave, and showcases both ex-Head front-man Rich Beale's sumptuously rich voice and a quotation from notoriously drunken author Malcolm Lowry. Welcome, then, the West Country's very best in arthouse country and western. *** Q MAGAZINE - ROY WILKINSON MARCH 2001 APACHE DROPOUT 'SILENCE' Despite its title I can't imagine this track getting me out of bed-its far too lovely and cuddly and frankly is more likely to make you snuggle down under the duvet with a nice up of tea. Silence comes on like early Balaeric-it could easily be a lost classic from THe Beloved or even Talking Heads, but its not-it was crafted in Bristol. Now theres a reason to be cheerful. **** BIG ISSUE JAN 2001