“You need to start a band with me!” solidified the beginnings of a line-up for Headshrinkers following singer, Garran Hickman bumping into lead guitarist James Knott down their local pub. Affiliated by a shared music taste, a mutual determination to write great tunes and play live shows, the two had their sights aligned on recruiting a full band. After many writing sessions, they brought in bassist Xavier Al-Naqib, and later, drummer Scarlett Churchill to complete the line-up. Now with a newfound sense of urgency and excitement, the newly formed band crafted a high-energy setlist and took to the stage.
Built on a vision of capturing modern life within their music, Headshrinkers infuse the vulnerability of veracious poetry, backed by confrontational punk riffs and 60’s jangly guitars. Taking influence from the likes of Joy Division, Fontaines DC and The Blinders, they amalgamate these influences to create a whole new cacophony of sound. Their frantic, full-force live shows bombard the audience with Scarlett’s pummeling drums and Xavier’s pounding bass-lines, complemented by James’ searing guitar and Garran’s gritty vocal performance alongside his chaotic stage presence.
Headshrinkers Links: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify
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“As a debut, you need something that’s going to grab an audience in from the get-go and Hungry for the Holy Cow is exactly that … Glistening in the moonlight, the melody has the power to haunt and linger in your mind for days to come… A well-crafted number that shows the band completely in their own world doing what they do best.” – One Great Song
Sleep Patterns’ melodic indie style is characterised by dreamy, reverb-drenched guitar and vocals, eccentric lyrics and infectious drumbeats.
While the future looks uncertain for all members of the species, the lockdown enforced hibernation has seen the trio record a wealth of ideas soon to be set free, like the hopeful and pretentious contents of a dream catcher.
Sleep Patterns Links: Bandcamp
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The Estates released their bedroom studio recorded debut EP, entitled ‘Extended Play’ in February of 2018 and from this gained a following around the Midlands, despite yet having played a show or having a line-up. Tracks ‘One More Day’ and ‘Lately’ were played on BBC Introducing, the latter being named tune of the week. Since then, the band have repaid the blind faith shown by its fans, playing various high energy shows and building on the foundations laid and also performing live for radio in session. In August 2019, their debut single ‘Feel’ was released, which also did the rounds on BBC Introducing and received high praise from fans and critics alike. The band are currently working on new material for their debut LP release.