Band of the month May 2009

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Shortwave Fade

The electronically-inspired four-piece from Leicester began life in the basement where long time friends Chris Holloway (vocals/guitar) and Ben Allen (guitar/synth) began writing and recording together. Joined by Rich Herrington (drums) and Robb Sheppard (bass/vocals) the band strive for epic and compelling songs.

Fusing edgy guitars with pulsing electronic melodies, the live soundscape of Shortwave Fade is often hard to describe, being tagged variously as 'epic', 'mesmerising' and 'widescreen'. Comparisons are often drawn to the likes of early Mansun, Doves, Mew and Keane with dynamic live-shows making use of synchronised visual projections onstage. Previous support slots have included Keane, The Subways and I Like Trains among others.

The start of 2007 saw Shortwave Fade release their debut single 'Anything To Anyone' through indie label Shifty Disco. Its ensuing success led Shifty Disco to release a further 3-track EP by the band, produced at The Animal Farm in London. Having established a name for themselves, the remainder of the year saw Shortwave Fade picking up a growing reputation on the London gig circuit, where they have begun to build a loyal fan following.

In 2008 Shortwave Fade successfully secured fan-financing of £15,000 for their debut album from www.slicethepie.com, beating 1000 other acts to the target. The resulting publicity has started to generate a real buzz about the band, who worked with producer Gavin Monaghan (Scott Matthews, The Twang, The Editors, The Smiths) on their debut album 'Deletia'. The first two singles 'Leave' and 'Lost In A Hurricane' received favourable airplay regionally and nationally with support from Dean Jackson of the BBC, and from the likes of Tom Robinson and Steve Lamacq at 6Music also. The band are now following up with the release of a third single 'Too Late To Tell', ahead of the album in March 2009.

'.this quartet have honed to near perfection the art of crafting power driven effervescent dream pop, freewheeling between hazes of spiral chiming riffs and florescent swathes of keys', Losingtoday.com

'Be aware of this band...they are going to conquer the music scene!', Eardrums Music

'Staunch Indie rock with a tweecore heart', Subba-Cultcha

'Shortwave Fade make no compromises, and that is what makes them stand out from the pack', Tasty Fanzine

'Widescreen dream rock', Time Out

'Wistful driving melodies, soaked in keyboards, tuneful instrumental breaks and attractive combinations of stadium driven ambition and leftfield pop.', Manchester Music Review

'People who whine there's nothing new.should listen to this stuff', Unpeeled.

What we said about Shortwave Fade:

Standing out from the roundly indie offering of the rest of the night, was electro alternative band Shortwave Fade . Complete with synchronised light show, they gave a tight and engaging set of songs, solidly fronted by lead singer Chris Holloway. This signed band does not play in their home town very often so this was a notable occasion. Having supported Keane and The Subways, these guys are breaking into the big time.

ArtsinLeicestershire, 13th March 2009