Beggars already have a head start. The trappings of the 'classic band' have already germinated; the trousers are sharp of cut, shoes are revered, the looks are Stuart Sutcliffe and the songs, laden with soaring vocal harmonies and timeless pop hooks. Tracing a lineage that takes in the driving beat and essence of a nuggets band, purple flashes of caustic Creation guitars and La's-esque melodies. They exude an aspirational cool, maintain an enigmatic distance, they naturally know what makes a band great. They make you want to be part of their group.
Formed in Reading just over 2 years ago, the youthful 4-piece
(average age 20), made up of Justin Girdler (guitar / vocals), James
Girdler (vocal / guitar), Dan Webb (drums / vocals) and Dan 'Starg'
Stargatt (bass / vocals), have so far managed to avoid the early sniffs
and looks that have proved to be the death knell for many young bands. Instead they have remained hidden, preferring to make sure it's right, writing and recording behind Heavenly doors.
The end of last year saw them record their debut album with producer Brendan Lynch in rural Yorkshire, and so they arrive perfectly poised and ready. The 12-track long-player, currently being mixed by Cenzo Townsend, is set to be released by Heavenly Recordings in the summer of 2008 and will be preceded by their debut single in early spring and a series of UK dates including a stint supporting Babyshambles on the forthcoming NME Awards dates.