Alfie (band)

Last updated

Alfie
Origin Manchester, England
Genres Indie rock, folk rock
Years active1998–2005
Labels Twisted Nerve Records
Regal Recordings
Past membersLee Gorton
Ian Smith
Matt McGeever
Sam Morris
Sean Kelly

Alfie were an English indie rock band, formed in 1998 in Manchester. The band were composed of singer Lee Gorton, guitarist-vocalist Ian Smith, drummer Sean Kelly, bassist Sam Morris and cellist-guitarist Matt McGeever.

Contents

Gorton admitted that the name Alfie "was just plucked out of the air", but with it being one of the first bands alphabetically had helped them as, for example, when the band "played All Tomorrow's Parties, it looked like we were headlining". [1]

The band released four studio albums before disbanding in 2005.

Twisted Nerve years (1999–2002)

The band was formed by Lee Gorton and Ian Smith, with Gorton commenting on the band's formation that "I knew a couple of the lads from Eccles in Salford where I’m from. They were friends of mine and had already been in bands and I knew they were f****** great already so I got them in. Then we got some music students". [2] The band were close to local bands Doves, I Am Kloot and Elbow, with whom they shared a rehearsal studio. [1] The band signed to Twisted Nerve Records in 1999 following an appearance on the In The City Key 103 Stevenson Square stage in 1998, [3] and were simultaneously recruited by label co-owner Damon Gough (aka Badly Drawn Boy) to work on his debut album and perform as his live backing band. [1] Gorton would later reveal that EMI had previously tried to sign the band, but that they were "stubborn little buggers because we wanted to keep it indie and on the coolest label around". [2]

The band released 3 vinyl-only EP's on the label through 2000, the self-titled debut in February, [4] second "Bookends" in August [5] and third "Montevideo" in November. They released debut album, If You Happy with You Need Do Nothing in March 2001. Explaining the origin of album title, Gorton revealed that "It actually comes from when I was in my old flat and my dentist had changed hands, and I had this Asian dentist who wrote a letter in pidgin English saying 'oh I'm gonna be your new dentist now, if you wanna use your old dentist you have to do this, but if you happy with you need do nothing' and it was in brackets and it was like 'Wow.' So we kept that because it suits what we do". [6] Although the album is technically a compilation of the previous EPs plus new songs Umlaut and 2 Up 2 Down, it is largely considered to be the band's debut and was promoted as such. The band had wanted to record the album afresh, but as Twisted Nerve were unwilling to finance studio time the band were forced to use the existing recordings. [7] In September 2001, the band released a newly recorded version of You Make No Bones as a single. [8] In December 2001, the band were forced to pull out of a gig in Glasgow after guitarist Ian Smith was electrocuted during the soundcheck after he touched a microphone whilst some equipment had reportedly short circuited. He was treated as a local hospital for shock and burns to his hands. [9]

EMI/Regal Records years (2001–2005)

Following a falling out with the owners of Twisted Nerve and simply outgrowing the label, [2] the band signed to EMI in October 2001. Commenting on leaving the label, Gorton revealed that "it costs money to go to America and we just couldn't do what we wanted to do with Twisted Nerve. We didn't get ads, video's or big tours" [10] and that "They don’t treat us with respect, they aren’t prepared to put up any money for anything. They always threatened to cancel the tour support just before we went away, leaving us in a shambles. They refuse to speak to us, yet when they do we are treated like kids". [11] Label co-owner Damon Gough responded by attacking the band during an appearance in Manchester. [12]

The first release on EMI was a free 7" release featuring a cover of the Fat Larry's Band song Zoom which was given away at the Regal Recordings Christmas party. However, the band had already recorded the A Word in Your Ear (originally set to be called Get Alfie) [13] album for Twisted Nerve who owned the rights to the recording, and wouldn't be released until March 2002. The band were fine with promoting the album for a label they had already left, but complained that again they would have preferred to have played more gigs but that the label were unable or unwilling to finance it. [12] Commenting further on the restrictions of the band's former label, Gorton revealed that they never had enough time in the studio to record material, that the band's first two albums "definitely felt unfinished really" [3] and that previous EP releases were vinyl only due to production costs. [12] To make ends meet whilst signed to Twisted Nerve, Gorton ran a market stall in Manchester which members of the band also worked on. [14] [15]

Following the final release on Twisted Nerve, the band recorded third album, Do You Imagine Things? with Coldplay producer Ken Nelson. The album was released in September 2003 and praised as being "a great leap forward" [16] and "a warm record [that is] above the indie quagmire". [16] Despite the favourable reviews, the album failed to break the UK Top 40. [17] [ failed verification ] Gorton admitted that "the label didn't really know what to do with the record because it was so schizophrenic" and radio refused to play anything off it". [18] In February 2004, the band were forced to play a shortened set in Birmingham after guitarist Ian Smith failed to show up for the band's soundcheck or show. Although the police were contacted as the behaviour was out of character for Smith, he was found the following day safe and well and the band continued on their tour. [19] In June 2004, the band were forced to cancel a string of festival appearances and warm up gigs after Gorton broken his arm whilst playing football. [20]

The fourth album, Crying at Teatime was released in August 2005, and heralded in advance by Gorton as being full of "triumphant moments" and a "bigger sound'" than previous albums. [21] The album was preceded by the single "Your Own Religion", which the band marked with 4 gigs across London in the north, south, east and west of the city. [22] Again, reviews were favourable, proclaiming that the band had "finally found the missing piece of their jigsaw". [23] In September 2005, the band were involved in a coach crash following a gig in Nottingham where their coach collided with a car that had previously been involved in an accident and had been left unattended with no lights on in the middle of the carriageway. Although the band were unharmed, their coach was written off and the driver attended hospital for back pains. [24]

The band released the vinyl-only single "Where Did Our Loving Go?" on 10 October, with the release being spread across 3 different 7"s. [25] The single peaked at No. 71 in the UK Singles Chart and dropped out of the charts the following week. [26] On 26 October 2005, the band announced that they were to split up, with Gorton stating that "it's hard to keep faith when it feels like no-one's listening". [25] [27] Gorton later revealed that EMI "had made us play the game a little bit, we didn’t want to. They were saying, “Just write us one song like Coldplay and you can do whatever you want after that. Just give us something to go with”, but we couldn’t do it". [2]

Post break-up

Singer Lee Gorton has not performed or released new material since the band split, except for a guest vocal on a track "Buying a Lie" that appeared as a bonus track on the Unkle album War Stories . [28] He initially focused on DJing and organising gigs for other artists in Stoke Newington, London, and then Manchester under the "Down at The Redbricks" moniker [29] [30] Plans for a “psychedelic supergroup” in which Gorton hoped to get singers from bands Alfie had previously toured with including The Flaming Lips, The Zutons and Snow Patrol to record vocals over songs written by unsigned acts he'd come across were seemingly abandoned. The project was to be released under the name "Red Thread" [28] He has since gone on to co-run the Jackalope parlour bar in Chorlton, Manchester [31] and currently works as Sales Director for First Chop Brewing Arm in Salford. [32]

After the band split up, guitarist Ian Smith and bassist Sam Morris played in The Beep Seals who were active between 2006 and 2009. Smith co-fronted the band with Jack Cooper, who went on to form Mazes and Ultimate Painting. Morris now works as a music instructor at One Education Music. [33]

Drummer Sean Kelly has gone on to work as a live sound engineer, working as Head of Sound for Trof who operate venues across Manchester including the Deaf Institute, Albert Hall and Gorilla. [34]

Cellist Matt McGeever has continued performing, and recorded with Last Harbour [35] and singer-songwriter Russell Kostulin who works under the Mammoeth moniker. [36]

Band members

Discography

Studio albums

TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
UK
[37] 		UK
Indie
[38] 		SCO
[39]
If You Happy With You Need Do Nothing62376
A Word in Your Ear
  • Released: March 2002
  • Label: Twisted Nerve (#TN038)
  • Formats: CD, LP
13020—
Do You Imagine Things?
  • Released: September 2003
  • Label: Regal (#7243 591934)
  • Formats: CD, LP
137——
Crying at Teatime
  • Released: August 2005
  • Label: Regal (#0946 332222)
  • Formats: CD, LP
170——
"—" denotes items that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

EPs

Singles

YearTitlePeak chart positionsAlbum
UK
[37] 		UK
Indie
[40] 		SCO
[41]
2001"You Make No Bones"61562If You Happy with You Need Do Nothing
2002"A Word in Your Ear"661076A Word in Your Ear
2003"People"53—60Do You Imagine Things?
"Stuntman"51—69
2004"No Need"66—68
2005"Your Own Religion"61——Crying at Teatime
"Where Did Our Loving Go?"76—73
"—" denotes items that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supergrass</span> English rock band

Supergrass are an English rock band formed in 1993 in Oxford. For the majority of the band's tenure, the line-up consisted of brothers Gaz and Rob Coombes (keyboards), Mick Quinn and Danny Goffey. Originally a three-piece, the band was officially joined by Rob Coombes in 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oasis (band)</span> English rock band (1991–2009)

Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as the Rain, the group initially consisted of Liam Gallagher, Paul Arthurs (guitar), Paul McGuigan and Tony McCarroll (drums). Liam's older brother Noel later joined as a fifth member, finalising the group's core lineup. During the course of their existence, they had various lineup changes, with the Gallagher brothers remaining the only stable members.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liam Gallagher</span> English singer (born 1972)

William John Paul Gallagher is an English singer and songwriter. He achieved fame as the lead vocalist of the rock band Oasis from 1991 to 2009, and later fronted the rock band Bogie Eye from 2009 to 2014, before starting a successful solo career in 2017. Oasis had various line-up changes, and Gallagher and his elder brother Noel were the only constant members. One of the most recognisable figures in British rock music, Gallagher is noted for his distinctive vocal style and outspoken, arrogant, and volatile personality. His demeanour during Oasis' commercial peak in the mid-1990s garnered much attention from British tabloid newspapers, which often ran stories concerning his drug use and self-destructive behaviour.

Black Grape are an English rock band formed in Salford in 1993, featuring former members of Happy Mondays and Ruthless Rap Assassins. Their musical style fuses funk and electronic rock with electronic programming and samples.

Arab Strap are a Scottish indie rock band whose core members are Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton. The band were signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground, split in 2006 and reformed in 2016. The band signed to Rock Action Records in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Razorlight</span> English indie rock band

Razorlight are an English indie rock band, formed in 2002 in London by lead singer and guitarist Johnny Borrell. Along with Borrell, the current line-up of the band is composed of founding members Björn Ågren on guitar and bassist Carl Delemo, as well as drummer Andy Burrows. This lineup is a reunion of the lineup from the band's second and third albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ned's Atomic Dustbin</span> English rock band

Ned's Atomic Dustbin are an English rock band formed in Stourbridge, West Midlands, in November 1987. The band took their name from an episode of radio comedy programme The Goon Show. The band is unusual for using two bass-players in their line-up: Alex Griffin plays melody lines high up on one bass, and Matt Cheslin plays the regular bass lines on the other. This gives the band a tense and highly driven sub-hardcore sound featuring distorted effects-laden guitar and energetic drums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Am Kloot</span> English rock band

I Am Kloot were an English rock band, formed in Manchester in 1999. The band was composed of vocalist/guitarist John Bramwell, bassist Peter Jobson and drummer Andy Hargreaves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maxïmo Park</span> British rock band

Maxïmo Park are an alternative rock band from the U.K. Formed in 2000 in Newcastle upon Tyne. The band consists of Paul Smith (vocals), Duncan Lloyd (guitar), and Tom English (drums). The band have released seven studio albums: A Certain Trigger (2005), Our Earthly Pleasures (2007), Quicken The Heart (2009), The National Health (2012), Too Much Information (2014), Risk to Exist (2017) and Nature Always Wins (2021). The first two albums went gold in the UK and their debut was nominated for the Mercury Prize.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arctic Monkeys</span> English rock band

Arctic Monkeys are an English rock band formed in Sheffield in 2002. The group consists of lead singer Alex Turner, drummer Matt Helders, guitarist Jamie Cook and bassist Nick O'Malley. Former bassist Andy Nicholson left the band in 2006 shortly after their debut album was released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Cribs</span> English indie rock band

The Cribs are a British indie rock band originally from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, that formed in 2001. The band consists of twins Gary and Ryan Jarman and their younger brother Ross Jarman. They were subsequently joined by ex-The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr who was an official member of the group from 2008 until 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Kooks</span> English indie rock band

The Kooks are an English pop-rock band formed in 2004 in Brighton. The band consists of Luke Pritchard, Hugh Harris and Alexis Nunez (drums).

Little Man Tate are a British four-piece indie rock band from Sheffield, England who formed in 2005. The band quickly began attracting interest from several record labels and in March 2006 signed to V2 Records. Their fifth single, "Sexy in Latin" was released on 22 January 2007 and became their highest-charting single to date. The band parted ways with their label in November 2007 following the acquisition of V2 by Universal Music Group and subsequently signed with Skint Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Enemy (English rock band)</span> English indie rock band

The Enemy are an English indie rock band formed in Coventry in 2006. The band's debut album We'll Live and Die in These Towns (2007) went straight to Number 1 in the UK Albums Chart on release. Their second album Music for the People (2008) went to Number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. Streets in the Sky, their third studio album, was released on 21 May 2012 and was also their third UK top 10 album. Their fourth studio album, It's Automatic, was released on 9 October 2015. After disbanding in 2016, the band reunited in 2022 for two reunion shows in their hometown of Coventry and a UK tour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Courteeners</span> English band

Courteeners are an English band formed in Middleton in 2006 by Liam Fray, Michael Campbell, Daniel "Conan" Moores and Mark Cuppello (bass); the last was replaced by the band's producer Joe Cross in 2015. They previously toured with pianist Adam Payne, who has been featured on every album, but in 2019 was replaced with Elina Lin. In December 2012, the band dropped "The" from their name, continuing simply as "Courteeners".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Ting Tings</span> English musical duo

The Ting Tings are an English indie pop duo from Salford, Greater Manchester formed in 2007. The band consists of Katie White and Jules De Martino.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twisted Wheel (band)</span>

Twisted Wheel are an indie rock band from Saddleworth, Greater Manchester, England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everything Everything</span> English art rock band

Everything Everything are an English art rock band from Manchester that formed in late 2007. Noted for their eclectic sound and complex, sociopolitical lyrics, the band have released six albums to date – 2010's Man Alive, 2013's Arc, 2015's Get to Heaven, 2017's A Fever Dream, 2020's Re-Animator and 2022's Raw Data Feel – and have been widely critically acclaimed. Their work has twice been shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize and has received five nominations for Ivor Novello Awards.

Hurts are an English musical duo formed in Manchester in 2009, consisting of singer Theo Hutchcraft and multi-instrumentalist Adam Anderson. They have released five studio albums: Happiness (2010), Exile (2013), Surrender (2015), Desire (2017) and Faith (2020). Their first two albums both reached the top 10 in several countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Catfish and the Bottlemen</span> British indie rock band from Wales

Catfish and the Bottlemen are a British indie rock band formed in Llandudno, Conwy, Wales, in 2007. The band's debut album, The Balcony, reached number 10 in the UK Albums Chart and achieved Platinum status on 30 December 2016. The band have toured in South America, Japan, UK, Europe, North America, and Australia performing a wide selection of festivals including Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, Latitude, Falls Festival, Community Festival, Reading and Leeds, T in the Park, Governors Ball, All Points East, Bonnaroo, Splendour in the Grass, and TRNSMT. They won a Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act on 24 February 2016. On 27 May 2016, they released their second album, The Ride, which reached number 1 in the UK Albums Chart and has sold 300,000 units in the UK since its release. On 26 April 2019, they released their third album, The Balance, which reached number 2 in the UK Albums Chart.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Alfie Interview". freewilliamsburg.com. August 2002. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 4 ""You couldn't have written it but it's good to see something work itself out." an interview with Stoke Newington club promoter Lee Gorton. – GEMMA I O'BRIEN". Archived from the original on 26 December 2016. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  3. 1 2 "Alfie Scrapbook". 6 November 2003. Archived from the original on 6 November 2003.
  4. ↑ "Alfie discography". 9 October 2003. Archived from the original on 9 October 2003.
  5. ↑ "Bookends - Alfie - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic .
  6. ↑ "The Alfie Reviews Page". 30 June 2002. Archived from the original on 30 June 2002.
  7. ↑ "Alfie - Interview - soundmag.de". www.soundmag.de. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  8. ↑ "ALFIE - THE BARE 'BONES' - NME". Nme.com. 23 July 2001.
  9. ↑ "SHOCK NEWS! - NME". Nme.com. 21 December 2001.
  10. ↑ "Exclusive! Alfie frontman Lee Gorton". Manchester Evening News . 17 February 2007.
  11. ↑ "Keep On Truckin'". DrownedInSound.com. Archived from the original on 27 January 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  12. 1 2 3 "The Trouble With Twisted Nerve". Drownedinsound.com. Archived from the original on 26 December 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
  13. ↑ "Get Alfie!". Drownedinsound.com. Archived from the original on 26 December 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
  14. ↑ "Alfie Scrapbook". 1 June 2004. Archived from the original on 1 June 2004.
  15. ↑ "Alfie Scrapbook". 6 November 2003. Archived from the original on 6 November 2003.
  16. 1 2 "Alfie: Do You Imagine Things?". Uncut. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
  17. ↑ "EveryHit". Everyhit.com.
  18. ↑ "Interview: Alfie". Londonist.com. 28 July 2005.
  19. ↑ "ALFIE SHOCK AS GUITARIST DISAPPEARS - NME". Nme.com. 4 February 2004.
  20. ↑ "Alfie News". 13 January 2006. Archived from the original on 13 January 2006.
  21. ↑ "Alfie Use Their Other Head". City Life. 18 January 2005. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
  22. ↑ "ALFIE PLAN FOUR GIGS IN ONE WEEK - NME". Nme.com. 19 July 2005.
  23. ↑ "Alfie Crying At Teatime Review". www.bbc.co.uk. 18 January 2005. Archived from the original on 13 February 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
  24. ↑ "Alfie in coach crash horror - NME". Nme.com. 5 September 2005.
  25. 1 2 "Alfie News". 13 January 2006. Archived from the original on 13 January 2006.
  26. ↑ "where did our loving go - full Official Chart History - Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com.
  27. ↑ "Former Alfie star to form supergroup - NME". Nme.com. 25 August 2006.
  28. 1 2 "Former Alfie star to form supergroup - NME". Nme.com. 25 August 2006.
  29. ↑ "Myspace.com". Myspace.com.
  30. ↑ "Down At The Redbricks at Amersham Arms - Indie, rock, retro and pop". Time Out London.
  31. ↑ "The Jackalope Manchester New Chorlton Lounge Bar". Designmynight.com.
  32. ↑ "First Chop – Contact". Firstchop.co.uk. 20 April 2022.
  33. ↑ "Login on Twitter". Twitter.com.
  34. ↑ "Manchester's Gorilla Upgrades to Midas". Mondodr.designandgo.net.
  35. ↑ "Last Harbour - Volo". Discogs.com. 22 February 2010.
  36. ↑ "Mammoeth - Interview". Pennyblackmusic.co.uk.
  37. 1 2 UK chart positions:
  38. ↑ UK Independent album chart peaks:
  39. ↑ Scottish studio albums chart peaks:
  40. ↑ Independent singles chart peaks:
  41. ↑ Scottish singles chart peaks:
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.