Film School - Biography
Using a multitude of guitar effects and synth washes, Film School creates a mountain of epic grandeur with their music, yet they have never been able to fully transcend the unfortunate “shoegazer” pigeonhole. The term shoegazer has become known as a derogatory mark on a band with a gauzy, ethereal sound—the theory being that effects pedals are used to mask talent and proficiency. Film School, however, is the exception to the rule. Arguably the one-man-band of vocalist/guitarist Krayg Burton, the San Francisco-based outfit crafts unique and highly prolific shoegaze indie rock with flourishes of post punk and electronic influences.
Krayg Burton formed Film School in 1998 and released the 7” I’m Not Working on metoo! Records in 2000. After recruiting full-time members in keyboardist Jason Ruck and guitarist Nyles Lannon, the band recorded their debut full-length, Brilliant Career (2001 metoo! Records). Though the album included a special guest appearance by former Pavement guitarist Scott Kannberg, it was considered too soporific and spaced out for popular tastes and did little to gain the group notoriety outside of the Bay Area.
The band returned two years later as a quintet with the Alwaysnever EP (2003) for Kannberg’s label Amazing Grease. The EP led to Film School signing with the renowned indie label, Beggars Banquet, and soon after the band made an in-store performance at Amoeba San Francisco on May 2, 2003. The following year Film School issued another EP—On and On (2004 Beggars)—before taking an extended two-year hiatus.
The self-titled post-punk/shoegazer hybrid, Film School (Beggars Banquet) appeared in 2006 to enthusiastic reviews. The album was laced with Manchester influences and musical interludes, which shaded more towards Echo & the Bunnymen and The Cure than Interpol and The National.
After a few more line-up changes, the band added bassist/vocalist Lorelei Plotczyk who introduced a striking female vocal counterpart to Burton’s deep baritone. A third full-length, Hideout (2007 Beggars Banquet) followed just a year a later, featuring a notable contribution from My Bloody Valentine drummer Colm Ó Cíosóig. The band supported the release by touring. It also made in-store performances at Amoeba Hollywood and Berkeley in the Autumn of 2007, giving Film School the distinction of being one of the few bands to play at all three Amoeba locations. The band followed this up with Fission, released in 2010.
