Aztec Camera is a Scottish New Wave music band from Glasgow. The lineup of the band has changed several times over the years, but the constant member has been guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Roddy Frame. Other musicians who have been members of the band over the years include founding members Campbell Owens (bass) and Dave Mulholland (drums).
Though generally considered to be born out of the New Wave movement, Aztec Camera's music is mostly acoustic-oriented and might be better described as guitar pop. There is no doubt that the band took some musical and lyrical inspiration from Elvis Costello. Aztec Camera opened for Costello on a tour early in their career.
Aztec Camera's debut album, High Land, Hard Rain , was released in 1983. However, Owens and Mulholland left the group before the release, leaving Frame to complete the album alone. The album was quite successful, gathering significant critical acclaim for its well-crafted, multi-layered pop. The band would release a total of six albums. After the release of Aztec Camera's sixth album, Frestonia , Frame dissolved the band to go solo.
Popular songs by Aztec Camera include "Oblivious," "Somewhere in My Heart," "Good Morning Britain" (a duet with former Clash guitarist Mick Jones), and a slowed-down cover of "Jump" by Van Halen.
Discography