INDEPENDENT is a musical term widely open to distortion and

misinterpretation.

Bands playing indie music do not necessarily have to be on an

independent label. The label tends to cease being described as

independent as soon as it enjoys a significant amount of success.

Industry juggernauts like Sony have even gone to the bother of setting

up a complete ghost structure within their company to handle what have

become known as alternative acts. Someone in Tokyo must see a yen for

boys and girls with loud guitars.

The alternative soubriquet is often applied to anyone outwith the

record companies' perceptions of current musical trends and what will

sell. The result of which is stifled talent and a stagnating music

scene.

So where does that leave the individual who decides to set up a record

label of their own to put out songs performed by bands in which they

believe? In the vast amount of cases, with a deep chip on both

shoulders, a credit line at their local photo copying service, and a

back catalogue that even the close relatives of the artists would be

hard-pressed to admit enjoying.

The most notable recent exception to the rule is Edinburgh's

Incredible Shrinking Records. Born of a soon-to-be-folded fanzine of the

same name, these folk had gumption. They also had access to decent

design and a desk top publisher, going about their business with a

refraining professionalism.

Happily the music is also up to scratch. The first release was an EP

from Nectar 3, who Andy from ISR dubbed as a ''pop-core'' band. There

followed a single from The Joyriders which gained similar critical

acclaim.

Now Nectar 3 have begun recording their debut album with plans for a

single to be released in the autumn. The label's latest signing,

Trumpetworm, will have an EP out in August. Their uninhibited fusion of

musical styles, now with added trumpet, is a six track affair titled

Take A Back Seat.

No less a band than Therapy? are said to be among their fans, having

worn out a copy of Trumpetworm's first demo tape on their tour bus.

Meanwhile the Joyriders have undergone a major line-up overhaul, with

original members Murdo MacLeod and Rick Heller being joined by two new

guitarists and a bass player for a tour of France which finds them in

Limojes tonight!

Back at home Incredible Shrinking Records have even avoided the

traditional indie bitching by co-opting the Human Condition label onto

their showcase bill next week. The Naked See join Nectar 3 and

Trumpetworm at the venue in Calton Road this Tuesday.

Meanwhile the Incredible Shrinking Fanzine ceases to be after the

current issue, but is being replaced by a monthly freesheet called

Ringside. These folk obviously don't like having too much spare time.