Meanwhile, Back in Communist Russia

by Andy Kellman
Referring to themselves as experimental glitter-art post-punk, the cumbersomely monikered Meanwhile, Back in Communist Russia is an indie rock band from Oxford, England. Consisting of Pete ("guitars center"), Ollie ("guitars right," bass), James ("guitars left," samples), Emily ("monologues"), Tim (keyboards), and Mark (drums), the group formed in 2000 and quickly got to work on a demo. The sextet debuted through a split release shared with Moonkat on Tinfoil (I Only Wanted Something to Do but Hang Around) and later released a 7" (No Cigar) of their two songs from the release. In late 2001, the group issued the Indian Ink LP. The group was also invited down to the BBC to record a Peel Session around this time; during various stretches of 2000 and 2001, the group's profile was also increased thanks to opening slots with Snow Patrol, Pulp, and Radiohead. The group has received favorable comparisons to Scottish bands Mogwai and Arab Strap.