Treading Tenderly: We look at Trampolene & Peter Doherty's 'Uncle Brian's Abattoir'

Some artists have relished a break from creating in this challenging situation, whilst others have poured themselves into expressive outlets. Another sweet, sweet project to arise today is Trampolene and Pete Doherty’s Uncle Brian’s Abattoir. The piece of art was lovingly passed from person to person until it ended up as an altogether charming thing; starting in Swansea, Jack Jones’s spoken word was given to producer and multi-instrumentalist Mike Moore for the music, ending up in Normandy with Pete Doherty’s vocals.

Major champion of the industry, Tim Burgess, has recently unlocked a whole world of bonding over music new and old through his Twitter listening parties. Trampolene’s Swansea to Hornsey was introduced and openly received by a whole different audience, whilst Libertine fans were spoilt as they reminisced with both Up the Bracket and The Libertines. This isn’t the first time this punky pair has jammed together as Jack is the guitarist for Pete Doherty and the Puta Madres releasing their debut self-titled album last year.

Don’t let the title fool you; Uncle Brian’s Abattoir is based on a little girl-Jones’s niece to be precise- naming a place Abattoir, where animals and humans all live in peace and harmony. Jack found the mistake endearing and wrote it down, not knowing when it would be needed; it almost gives a sense of a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. An image of the sea comes into shot on a fresh day by the coast in Jack's home, the Mumbles. You know that there will be a salty breeze and the best air to deeply breath in. As he starts to walk, he speaks with a hint of melody in his crystal clear voice, telling us, “We’ll toddle off afar, to my Uncle Brian’s abattoir.’ and now that we know the meaning it becomes a very beautiful and uplifting thing: clever.

Now it’s Pete’s turn on the beach in Normandy for the chorus. With just the right level of sunlight, it’s hazy and hard to make out his face at first, which would be hard to recreate. The track is acoustic and simple, with Doherty's chorus prominently swirling around your head all day. Although the video was shot on phones, it gives the appearance of a professionally made piece, feeling like a 90s montage of wonder. It certainly was a team effort, with Kate de Vidas from the Puta Madres editing and Trampoline bass player Wayne Thomas creating the artwork. They both have cute cameos too, along with two playful dogs making Pete blissfully happy rolling amongst the grass.

Moores, also guitarist to Liam Gallagher, explains, "It’s a bit like that kids’ drawing game where someone draws the head, folds the paper and passes it on. Someone else draws the body and so on. Then the reveal is the surprise to everyone involved.” The process has been key for all players, but its legacy will be this pure song and something for us to treasure. It’s a tender concept.

Article by Beverley Knight