“Superman” / “Slick Chick” (Detour Records DR052) 1997
Supersonic | Superman | Detour | 1997 | It was very unfashionable and probably unprofitable for any label to be releasing vinyl records at the height of the digital CD revolution during the nineties, but thankfully mod label Detour Records were heretics and released many hip records by (mostly) European 60s influenced combos.
The majority of their 45rpm roster were one-off singles by groups who operated virtually unknown and even today, such bands are still mysterious. Very little online information is readily available on today’s obscure outfit . . . . Supersonic.
Given that this single was released in 1997 it’s hard to believe that their name didn’t derive from the Oasis song “Supersonic”. But what nobody knows is that “Superman” and “Slick Chick” pisses all over those hideous Mancunian numbers.
Lead-track “Superman” has an omnipresent Kinks-style backing riff. The drummer bounds along like a runaway train and the Hammond organ adds to the dynamics. Written by Chris Altree, this has all the elements necessary to get pulses racing but above all, it’s a memorable tune.
The other side, “Slick Chick” is very much an instrumental raver going off in a few directions, mod groove, spy-thriller background music, even cool jazz . . . whatever that is.
The only other name I’ve found associated with Supersonic is Eric van Houtte who was also a member of surf-punk combo The Vice Barons.
Both based in Belgium.
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