Total Guitar - Issue 39 January 1998 From the darkest northern territories they came, baring gifts of superb songs, incredible, vocals, and more sound musicianship than you could shake a stick at. Old Man Stone are one of Britain's finest 'undiscovered bands' Their brilliant mix of styles collide to create something unique. 21st century space-rock. "There's not many bands out there who have songs like 'Already Dead' followed by 'I Do'," says vocalist/rhythm guitarist Rick Dowson of the varied song menu served up by the band's explosive debut 'Spork'. "It's good to have that rollercoaster ride of styles - it's becoming our trademark." Indeed it is. From volatile cyber punk to twisted dark ballads, O.M.S have received some favourable comparisons. "People say we sound like Radiohead or Bowie and we get Smashing Pumpkins a bit as well. But as a band I don't think we're really trying to sound like anyone but us," expresses guitar maestro Barrie Gledden, whose metallic riffings and acoustic textures lie at the heart of the band. "My main influence is Steve Vai, but you'd never guess that from 'Spork,' continues Barrie. "It's hard at the moment for guitarists who can really play; you're constricted by trends. If I did swept arpeggios or two handed runs down the neck, we'd be labeled guitar band rubbish. I don't want that." Rick's guitar favourites differ: "That guy out of Blur, Graham Coxon. What a player! He won't play anything and then play a few bits that are so right." So any thoughts on Mr. Noel Gallagher's playing? "Yes, it's shit," chuckles Barrie. "Why is he doing major pentatonic solos constantly out of key? He's got four grand of  Matchless stack and still sounds like he playing through a Boss DS-1. It's not fair. It should be mine. Gallagher - you're going down brother." Fighting talk! 'I Do' from 'Spork': Rick: "Imagine you're just about to get married tomorrow and you're lying in bed thinking of all the things you like about a girl. Then you realise there aren't that many." He scowls: "You realise you don't love the girl, you just want to kill her!" Rick bashes a left-handed Fender Mexican Strat through a Marshall Valvestate stack, while Barrie uses an Ibanez Power Series though a Mesa Boogie V-Twin Pedal, Soldano pre-amp, Eventide H3000 and a Marshall 9200 fed into an old Marshall bass cab (phew!). One track will never give you the whole picture of O.M.S. Buy the album.  Interview by Jon Jannaway