The High Llamas

The High Llamas

The High Llamas are a London-based group formed in 1992 by Irish-English guitarist and songwriter Sean O’Hagan after the end of Microdisney. O’Hagan writes and arranges the music and often uses the High Llamas name for his own work, including remixes, although the project is presented as a group rather than a solo act. The line-up usually includes Microdisney bassist Jon Fell and a changing cast of musicians, including Marcus Holdaway on keyboards and Rob Allum on drums. Other members associated with the group include Pete Aves, John Bennett, Tom Fenner, Dominic Murcott and Sean O’Hagan.

Style and influences

The High Llamas’ music draws on a wide range of influences, including pre-1950s American pop and folk, Brazilian jazz and bossa nova, 1960s film composers and 1990s European electronic music. Their work is often compared to Brian Wilson’s psychedelic period and to lounge revival music. O’Hagan is generally open about these influences and sometimes names songs after musicians and composers who inspire particular tracks.

The band’s arrangements vary from album to album, but marimbas, nylon-string guitars and heavily reverbed tack pianos are recurring elements. In the late 1990s, O’Hagan’s work also features vintage synthesiser effects described as gurgling or bouncing, first developed on Turn On, an experimental collaboration with members of Stereolab.

Albums, collaborations and label history

The High Llamas’ debut album is self-titled and is technically credited to Sean O’Hagan. Their 1996 album Hawaii is a large-scale, cinematic record that draws on Beach Boys influences and connects themes of tourism and colonialism. O’Hagan’s work on that album was strong enough to lead Bruce Johnston to recommend him for production work on a Beach Boys comeback album that was later mixed.

The band’s albums also feature frequent guest appearances by members of Stereolab, and O’Hagan has played guitar with that group and often contributes string and horn arrangements for them. Outside the High Llamas, O’Hagan works as an arranger and producer for artists including The Boo Radleys, Doves and Sondre Lerche, while Allum has also worked with Turin Brakes.

The group releases records on Duophonic Records in the UK and Drag City in the US. Their work for V2 Records is collected on Retrospective, Rarities and Instrumentals. After being dropped by V2 Records, the group describes its records as personal projects rather than a source of income.

Activity

The High Llamas tour infrequently and usually release albums every few years. Here Come The Rattling Trees is one of their later albums.