Concrete Playground

Somewhere in his genealogy, Simon Carter must share a substantial puddle of DNA with both Mark Oliver Everett and Jarvis Cocker. It may be as inane as their choice of spectacle frame and the shifting length of their facial carpet or, just maybe, there is a deeper connection to be found resonating on the poetic frequencies.

Since The Cops returned to the doughnut shop indefinitely in 2008, Carter has worked hard to sculpt his new, solo persona. Drawing inspiration from country, pop, rock, psych and prog, Carter's musical alchemy has birthed an enticing homunculus in the form of the album, Black Book of the Universe. A sneak listen to the single Hard Rain reveals the level of emotion lying in wait for Carter's fan base; the Black Book contains a dirty, big world where a few sexy power chords ride high above solemn shadows in urban steam. Think Blade Runner without Vangelis.

Launching his career into the next decade, Carter will perform on Thursdays at the Oxford Art Factory for the next month. Fans can expect to hear work from both the new Carter and from The Cops' back catalogue.