Salisbury train guard taking inspiration from ABBA for latest album
Lynden Williams sings with prog rock group Zebras Don't Smoke, but they've taken a musical leap.
The band release their latest album today (Friday 20th November), covering 12 of ABBA's tracks.
It might seem like an unusual choice for a progressive rock outfit like them, so lead singer Lynden Williams explains why the Swedish supergroup:
"It was a bit of a personal choice really, I've always admired (ABBA) and I've always had it in the back of my mind that it might be interesting, a challenge even, for everyone and a bit different."
Most of the songs on the album are lesser known ABBA songs, including one that's been put together from parts of the soundtrack from ABBA: The Movie, that was only ever performed live by the band originally.
Lynden says they'd like to bring the tunes to a new audience:
"They were songs that I really like actually that probably people didn't know all that much. I think we've chosen five A-sides, two B-sides of singles, four album tracks and this number that's never been recorded before."
The more well-known songs that feature on the album, called 'Don't Mention the Swedes' include 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!', 'The Name of the Game' and 'Summer Night City'.
Some of the bands members have some strong credentials for taking on ABBA songs though.
Guitarist Ollie Hannifan was part of the international touring company for the Mamma Mia! musical for two years, keyboard player Geoff Downes co-wrote a song for ABBA's Agnetha for her solo career, and backing singer Rachael Hawnt uses 'Dancing Queen' as part of her cabaret.
Lynden says the other two band members, Dave Meros and Nick D'Virigilio 'are American and needed educating'.
It seems it worked, with bandmates becoming ABBA converts:
"He rated Benny and Bjorn's work to be up there with Lennon and McCartney, and he's spot on really!
"(The album) has turned out well, I'm very very pleased with it."
You can stream the album online via Spotify and Amazon Music.