Long Fin Killie: reviews, albums, and info

The Profile

Long Fin Killie were a Scottish experimental/post-rock band on the Too Pure label, led by multi-instrumentalist Luke Sutherland with Philip Cameron, Colin Greig, and David Turner. They released a trilogy of albums—Houdini (1995), Valentino (1996), and Amelia (1997)—before disbanding in 1998.

Members: Luke Sutherland (vocals, guitar, violin, sax), Philip Cameron (guitar), Colin Greig (bass), David Turner (drums). Label: Too Pure. Distinctive traits: polyrhythms, violin/sax arrangements, and a dark, sophisticated rock approach. Critical note from reviews: Blow Up listed Valentino among 1996’s best.

Two DeBaser reviews revisit Long Fin Killie’s mid-’90s trilogy, praised for polyrhythms, violin/sax textures, and a singular experimental rock voice. Critics highlighted Houdini (1995) and Valentino (1996), with Blow Up listing the latter among 1996’s best. The Scottish group, led by multi-instrumentalist Luke Sutherland, stood apart from contemporary UK trends and ended in 1998.

Notable Quotes

❝ Three albums set and enshrined in the midst of the 1990s, dedicated to three figures who died early and became icons in their own way; chronologically (in terms of album release) Harry Houdini, Rodolfo Valentino, and Amelia Earhart: this is the musical legacy of Long Fin Killie, a Scottish band led by multi-instrumentalist Luke Sutherland and supported by other outstanding musicians.

❝ I wonder how many still remember Long Fin Killie and that trio of albums curiously titled after prematurely deceased icons (the illusionist Houdini, actor Rodolfo Valentino, and aviatrix Amelia Earhart), so praised by critics - Italy's Blow Up included this album in the list of the best of 1996 - yet quickly forgotten after the end of the game, which happened in 1998.