On Repeat: The Beta Band - The Three E.P.'s

As British band that formed in the mid-nineties amid the era of Brit-pop and musical dominance of bands such as Oasis and Blur, The Beta Band developed an original, experimental sound of folk music blended with electronica.

The band's first releases were three individual E.P.s, 'Champion Versions' in '97, 'The Patty Patty Sound', and 'Los Amigos del Beta Bandidos' both in '98. All three E.P.s were then brought together onto one album compilation entitled 'The Three E.P.'s'.

Its a brilliant album, each song a product of the band's original experimentation that has brought them a cult status since their breakup in 2004. The first song 'Dry the Rain', one of their best ever songs, begins the record with an understated, lo-fi drum beat and acoustic guitars and evolves into an uplifting, anthemic sound of horns, big full beats and a harmonic chorus proclaiming 'I will be your light'.

There are few experimental jams on the compilation too, songs such as 'I Know', 'B+A', 'Inner Meet' and 'The House Song', which are mostly instrumental, with either no lyrics, or a couple of repeated lines (or a French sounding rap on the latter track). But my favourite is 'She's the One', which begins with a mouth-harp and some percussion and then warm, continuous acoustic strums. Over this Steve Mason just spouting out almost nonsensical lyrics, but constantly repeating the simple harmonious chant of 'She's the one for me'.

There is too much to write about each song, from the expansive folk-jam at the end of 'Dog's Got a Bone', to the hushed, acoustic harmonies that finish 'It's Over', even today, each song sounds different, original, and still as enjoyable as the first time you hear them.

See also: This article from Stereogum which lists the 10 Best Beta Band Songs