The Futureheads
The Futurehead's dexterous, angular pop nous has been dubbed 'disco angst' (Drowned in Sound). Taking influence from the post-punk godfathers Devo, XTC and Gang of Four and the new-wave-pop sounds of Kate Bush and The Jam, Sunderland's nouvelle vague four-piece is one of the best things ever to emerge from a government-funded youth project.
The band first crashed into our conscious in 2003, self-releasing 7-inch single 1,2,3, followed by two EPs for Fantastic Plastic – Nul Book Standard and First Day. Critical acclaim for their tunes and riotous live performances led to a contract with 679 Recordings, with Andy Gill (Gang of Four guitarist) producing much of The Futureheads' self-titled debut album in the summer.
A sharp and sparkling cover of Kate Bush's 'Hounds of Love' reached the UK top ten in 2005, and the band have gone on to support the Pixies, Foo Fighters, and Snow Patrol whilst crafting 2006's more mellow and sophisticated album News and Tributes.
2008/9 has been one of the busiest times for The Futureheads, with the chaps setting up their own record label (Nul Records) to release their third album, This Is Not The World, ('a frenzied dash through stunning build-ups and punk poundings' – Drowned in Sound), enjoying their biggest smash-hit with 'Beginning of the Twist', and subjecting Japan, Austria and continental Europe to their jagged punk pop. On their return to the UK, the Futureheads won 'Performing Artist of the Year Award' at the Journal Culture Awards. Check out why at this year's Offset.
The Futureheads - The Beginning Of The Twist
The Futureheads - Hounds Of Love
