the social services

The Social Services took shape in Stockholm in 2007, when the worst winter for 40 years kept three friends snowed in with a handful of instruments from charity shops. Three years later, they’ve made it out of the snow with a critically acclaimed debut album, live sessions on BBC Radio 1 Scotland and BBC 6music, airplay across Europe and gigs all over the UK and Sweden.

Female-fronted, guitarless and strong on harmonies, TSS stand out from the crowd. There’s a theatrical edge to their live shows, which have been known to feature musical processions in animal masks, audience participation and guest musicians on cello, trumpet, concertina, monologue and nose flute. All three members write for the band so there’s no shortage of material.

The band’s debut album, It’s nothing personal, it’s national security, was released in late 2008 on London-based label Stereo Test Kit Records. Comparisons were made to Regina Spektor, Saint Etienne, the Television Personalities and early Cardigans with a touch of the melancholy of Mogwai. Here’s what some critics had to say about it:

"Put you in mind of the best bits of The Divine Comedy, Camera Obscura and British Sea Power.playful but bittersweet. There’s even space for politics and moments of sweeping melancholy that give this album more depth than the rambunctious surface vibe might first suggest."

The List (4/5)

"Sweetly comic, unexpectedly poignant"

The Skinny (4/5)

"Rich in wit and vocal harmonies”

Clash magazine

"Somehow they manage to find a golden path between dirty British realism and sugary Swedish pop (.) with sparkling texts and tight melodies."

Dagens Skiva, Sweden

In late 2009 TSS relocated to Scotland and since then they’ve been busy getting their feet wet (figuratively and literally) on Glasgow’s live circuit, with gigs including high profile support slots at the legendary King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.

TSS are soon to release an EP and are now brimming with material for a second album. With the unfortunate demise of their former record label, they are on the lookout for new friends who might be able to help them reach a wider audience.