I don’t know how I could ignore the Brighton based sextet Super U and their debut album “We Live In Bazakhstan” for more than six months. This record is like a universal weapon and I mean it in the most irenic sense. It makes you happy, when you’re sad. It makes you happier when you’re already happy. And if you listen to it every day for a few times, you may become the happiest person on this planet. I’m speaking from my own experience, you can call me cheshire cat from now on. Their catchy indie-britpop-rock fired my imagination, so I made up some rumours about them and their music and curiously waited what they had to say…

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First rumour: The band is named after a French supermarket ‘Super U’ in Biarritz, where Matt Barr and Ewan Wallace first met during holidays. A fight for the last piece of goat cheese evolved into a profound friendship.

Rumour Score 4/5

The band is indeed named after a French supermarket chain. Founder members Matt Barr and Ewan Wallace met in 1992 at the flagship store situated on the Champs Elysées. Ewan who worked for the store as a trolley boy happened upon a fresh faced Matt trying to park his Bedford C30 panel van in a clearly marked trolley collection point. Ewan, incensed by this highly controversial behaviour, confronted Matt, a struggle ensued and the rest is history. No cheeses were hurt.

Second rumour: The album title ‘We live in Bazakhstan’ is a homage to the time when the band used to live in a little communist parish near Newcastle upon Tyne. Songs like ‘A better way’ and ‘We hang on’ are about this very intense period of their lives.

Rumour Score 2/5

Bazakhstan was the name given to the former residence of the band on Barry Walk in Brighton. Shortly after the boys moved out, the building was razed to the ground and a new one was built in order to celebrate the memory of the original house. What has been achieved there is actually quite touching.

Third rumour: After Damon Albarn first listened to the album ‘We live in Bazakhstan’ it is said that he thought of canceling the Blur reunion. He told fans that if they’re looking for the future of Britpop they should go to a Super U gig instead.

Rumour Score 2/5

The comments were actually made by Chava Haza, lead singer of top Israeli Blur tribute band ‘Murgh’. Damon has never been one for heaping praise on his rivals.

Fourth rumour: When Liam Gallagher asked Super U to produce their album the band refused for fear of assaults. Asking Liam about the circumstances he just told the press, he doesn’t want to work with ‘unsigned gaybos from Hove’.

Rumour Score 1/5

Liam apparently loves the pink pound, and sources allege having spotted him frequenting some of Brighton’s classier nightspots while on prolonged Super U watching sojourns in the town.

Fifth rumour: Super U successfully sued a multinational electronic commerce company after they wanted to classify their music as Folk. ‘Everybody should have the right for an individual genre. We play Northern Shanty Rock, nothing else. If they don’t know what it is, it’s not our fault.’

Rumour Score 1/5

No multinational electronic companies were hurt. Someone from Ipswich lost an eye in a fight but its not clear if Super u were involved.

Sixth rumour: Singer Matt Barr has a portrait of bank robber John Dillinger tattooed on his left upper arm. ‘It’s just a reminder for me that making a fast buck is possible, but mostly illegal and you might get killed. Cheers me up from time to time.’

Rumour Score 4/5

Drummer Russ actually has the letter ‘M’ tattooed on each of his buttocks as a touching tribute to his mother.

Seventh rumour: The album was recorded in various living rooms. ‘It’s good to have musicians as friends, they already have all the stuff you need to make recordings. And on top you save lots of money to spend it on girls and booze after the sessions.’

Rumour Score 5/5

This album would not have been possible without the industrious help of many kind and talented Brighton-ites. Cash was saved but, unfortunately, not enough to lure a girl in to the back of a Bedford C30 panel van.

Eighth rumor: Super U are planning a tour through Europe this autumn.

Rumour Score 5/5

Autumn……? Cripes, we better get a move on!

Ninth rumour: Super U are already working on their next album ‘Fernsehturm’. The combination of experimental minimal techno and traditional folk tunes will be released early next year.

Rumour Score 0/5

Our collective wad has been shot for now, although a new EP is in the offing. Quick cuppa and a fag before we talk shop please!

Tags: A Better Way, Brighton, Dillinger & Me, Super U, We Hang On, We Live In Bazakhstan, What News From Cornwall