Upon its release in 2009, I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose cemented a barely-out-of-school Bombay Bicycle Club as key players in a thriving indie music scene; an unpredictable new act and a rapidly rising one, too. Its second single, ‘Always Like This’ is still an undeniable live favourite and has slotted seamlessly into their sets throughout those ten short years. If you’ve seen the band headline a festival or play one of their many notoriously-stellar live gigs, you’ll have seen first hand just how beautifully this track translates on to a live stage. We can’t wait to see similar ingenuity from the other eleven tracks that make up the album, and how the sometimes criminally underplayed tunes are brought rightly back into the limelight.
The album’s youthful vitality and thoughtful takes on life as an ’00s teenager have continued to enchant new audiences as the band’s career has flourished, and stayed with day one fans as they’ve grown up alongside the band. Therefore, I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose seems the perfect album to remind us once more of live gigs; of the shows we went to and sang along at not too many months ago.
The exciting news of the live album follows the release of the band’s fifth studio album, “Everything Else Has Gone Wrong” earlier this year. The album peaked at #4 on the UK album chart and garnered widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. The release was due to be followed by an extensive European and North American headline tour and numerous festival headline appearances, which would undoubtedly have been brilliantly received and long-remembered. The new live album acts as a timely gift to their fans and a fine celebration of the power and togetherness of live music.
Speaking about the release, the band say, “This time last year – in the good old days when live music was possible – we played a handful of shows around the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our debut album, ‘I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose.’ This tour finished on a Friday night at Brixton Academy in London, and we took the decision to record the show that evening.”
“This was a particularly special night for us in any case – seriously a show that we’ll all remember forever – and especially considering what’s happened since, we’re grateful we have a memory like this to keep us all going until live music can resume.”
I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose – Live At Brixton will be available digitally, on vinyl and CD and as a double LP, which includes the original studio album as well as the live recording.
The album was recorded on 8th November 2019 at the band’s sold out Brixton Academy show, celebrating the 10th anniversary of their debut album. It will be released on 11th December via Mmm… Records + Caroline International.
Set for release on July 24th, the ‘Two Lives’ EP features three acoustic reworkings of songs from the band’s recently released album ‘Everything Else Has Gone Wrong’ – ‘Racing Stripes’, ‘Is It Real’ and ‘Let You Go’ – as well as the Bonnie Raitt cover.
The band’s frontman Jack Steadman said of the cover: “My dad introduced me to this beautiful Bonnie Raitt song on one of our long car journeys, and I instantly fell in love with the harmonies. We also felt it was a fitting title for our EP where we showcase the two lives of our songs, one that is layered and one stripped back.”
All proceeds from the EP will go to the organisations Chineke! (which creates opportunities for established Black and minority ethnic musicians, nurtures new talent by providing role models, and celebrates diversity in classical music) and Youth Music, which invests in music programs for young people in deprived areas, building confidence, resilience and self-esteem.
The ‘Two Lives’ EP will be made available to download on a ‘pay-what-you-want’ basis from the band’s website on July 24.
Released in conjunction with their new EP Two Lives, “Let You Go” has been reworked for the extended player, following its release on their acclaimed new album Everything Else Has Gone Wrong. Recorded mostly at frontman Jack Steadman’s house during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown, it features beautiful arpeggiated guitar work and a synthesized brass section.
The New EP! We’ve been recording some acoustic reworks of album tracks while in lockdown. Just like when we made Flaws ten years ago, we’ve been recording in our bedrooms and capturing every chair squeak and car engine outside. The first song we are putting out is Let You Go and 3 other songs will follow every 2 weeks.
The video was made by Callum Scott-Dyson in a mere 2 weeks and it’s well worth checking out.
It’s available on all streaming platforms but most importantly it’s available on our website as a pay-what-you-want download with the proceeds going to the various organisations:
Believe it or not, Bombay Bicycle Club have been around for quite some time, over 10 years. It’s also been 10 years since the release of their debut album I had the blues but I shook them loose, which set the band off on their musical journey. Since then they have accomplished in releasing five albums, quite the feat wouldn’t you say? So in natural fashion I’ve decided to rank them worst to best (None of them are bad).
I Had the Blues but I Shook them Loose (2009)
This record put Bombay on track and in the minds of future adoring fans. At the time it was released there was a bit of a clamouring for a good indie album for people to take notice of. I Had the Blues but I Shook them Loose hit the spot for a lot of folk, as their unique sound and vocals stood them apart from a lot of the bands. Also the arrangements of the songs were interesting, which driving this point even further home. Songs like ‘Lamplight’, ‘Cancel on me’ and ‘Always like this’ have become pillars in the Bombay setlist, sending the crowd into a frenzy whenever their showcased. Bombay Bicycle Club released their astonishing debut album ‘I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose’ (recorded by long-term producer Jim Abbiss) through Island records.
It’s a beautifully literate and ambitious debut. From the dizzying My Bloody Valentine / M83 swoops and morning-after ruefulness of the LP’s opening song to the open-tuned, appalachian folk feel of the record’s closing track, the album thrums with subtle invention and quiet emotional intensity. Fans of Bloc Party, Broken Social Scene and Bon Iver – or any mildly sensitive soul with a fondness for ricocheting guitar chords – will be utterly beguiled. Indie rock rarely gets to enjoy its innocence these days, but Bombay Bicycle Club know that’s exactly what makes it precious. Jamie and Jack formed Bombay Bicycle Club after spending their early teens trying to sneak into 18+ gigs together. they were dissuaded at first by Jamie’s guitar-playing dad, Neill Maccoll (son of Ewan, sister of Kirsty), who once told Jack he should become a plumber rather than a musician if he ever wanted to make a decent living. Then Neill heard the astonishing cache of songs Jack had amassed in his bedroom with garageband and a cheap guitar, and instantly changed his mind, offering to produce Bombay Bicycle Club’s first LP.
Flaws (2010)
Bombay’s acoustic release in flaws is magical. Jack’s gentle voice combined with melodic fingerpicking is something which can only be enjoyed. With an acoustic version of ‘Dust on the Ground’ and title track ‘Flaws’ you get to hear the band at their most calm and mellow. This was an odd release for their second album, with their first being so bold and abrupt. It really took people off the scent of another loud indie band, giving the band some added depth. I always find I need to be in a mood for slow paced acoustic songs which isn’t very often. Flaws’ is the stunningly beautiful, acoustic album by Bombay Bicycle Club. ‘Flaws’ is characterised by a delicate, heart-swelling beauty and lightness of touch throughout. Those that had Bombay Bicycle Club pegged merely as an indie band may need to re-think.
Intricate, finger-picked guitar lines and ethereal melodies pull at the heart strings on new songs such as ‘My God’, the startlingly pretty ‘Leaving Blues’ and title track ‘Flaws’ (a duet with Lucy Rose). On other tracks – ‘Rinse Me Down’ and ‘Many Ways’ – skittering drum rhythms and distant banjo lines drift in, but in the main, it’s a naked intimacy that makes these songs dazzle. the album’s final track, ‘Swansea’, is perhaps the most exciting in terms of where Bombay Bicycle Club will take their sound next.
All the music for ‘Swansea’ was written by Jack, but uses some of the lyrics from a Joanna Newsom track of the same name. A simple folk ballad that opens with plaintive guitar and vocals, swells and morphs into something altogether different, as a synth counter melody slowly floats into reverb-rich vocals and echo chamber drum rhythms.
A Different Kind of Fix (2011)
This album has some of Bombays best work on it without doubt, which is why it deserves to maybe be the album to start with. From the start of the album with the opening to ‘How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep’ you feel as if you’re walking into the clouds as you feel an atmosphere of calm all around you. The duet on ‘Lights Out, Words Gone’ will forever be a favourite of mine on vocals alone, but the simple musicality adds to it. The album doesn’t take on this slow pace as a theme, with Bombay switching it up a few times. Songs like ‘Your Eyes’, ‘Leave It’ and ‘Bad Timing’ are a keen reminder of the bands wilder side.
‘Shuffle’ also features on this album, which will always be among my favourite BBC song. Their joyous sounds built into the track brings an entire audience to life, like putting colour on a blank canvas. A Different Kind of Fix is the bands third album from London’s Bombay Bicycle Club, following the critically acclaimed indie of debut I Had the Blues But I Shook them Loose and the Ivor Novello-nominated sparse folk of Flaws. Recorded in Hamburg, London and Atlanta, A Different Kind of Fix sees the guitars firmly plugged back in for album number three, but added to the mix are synths, sampled loops, layered vocals from all four band members and washes of reverb throughout.
Production-wise, the album reunites BBC with Jim Abbiss–who produced their debut–and also introduces them to Ben Allen (noted for his work with Animal Collective) whilst lead singer, Jack Steadman co-produces throughout. The album Includes first single, “Shuffle”, “How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep” and “Take The Right One”. Towards the end of the song you have the magical call and response of “you gave to me all I know / I will stay here, I will not go’ where Jack lights up the crowd and everything feels perfect. Some may disagree with this choice to make this their best album, but from back to front it’s pretty flawless listen.
So Long, See You Tomorrow (2014)
When this album was released it was 3 years since we heard from the band, so when the release came around it was a major deal. The record saw the band adjust their style slightly, introducing much more musical elements into the songs, operating at one of the highest peaks of their powers. ‘Luna’ was released prior to the record, and I remember it receiving mixed reviews – me included. Yet, when the album was released it was all okay.
The usage of dual vocals and harmonies were beautiful throughout the album, with some perfect vocal contrasted performances on ‘Home by now’, ‘Luna’ and ‘Eyes Off You’. This was released at great time for me, which is probably why it ranks so high, but from start to finish I can semi-confidently say I know all the words and reflects some very special moments . It might seem odd to describe Bombay Bicycle Club as veterans given that nobody in the band is older than 24, but this is their fourth album, which is something of a landmark achievement in today’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-them climate. The Bombay Bicycle Club story is something that isn’t meant to happen any more – a band given the space by their label, Island, to evolve with each release. The album was produced by Jack in the band’s studio in London, making it their most personal record to date. There was always purpose from the beginning to bring everything together for this album, to tell a story from the first track through to the finale with everything interconnecting as a complete body of work.CD – Limited digipack.180 Gram Gatefold vinyl.Boxset – Digipack version of the album on CD, Heavyweight 12″ vinyl, exclusive box-set only 7″, 12×12″ 24-page song and story book.
Everything Else Has Gone Wrong (2020)
From the announcement of the album in late 2019, I already expected a lot and it delivered on most fronts. With some stand out songs like ‘Eat Sleep Wake (nothing but you)’ and ‘Everything Else Has Gone Wrong’ it really defines the sound of the album, as Bombay deviate slightly from their previous record. Yet, there’s a lack of consistency throughout the tracks with some not really hitting, making it feel a little loose. Perhaps this is due to me not having much time with it, but from an early perspective I get the feeling these tracks won’t grow on me as much as their predecessors did. Everything Else Has Gone Wrong is the eagerly anticipated follow-up to the British band’s acclaimed number 1 charting, Mercury Music Prize nominated fourth album, So Long, See You Tomorrow released back in 2014.
The new album was largely recorded out in the US alongside Grammy Award winning producer John Congleton (St. Vincent / Sharon Van Etten / War on Drugs). It features the band’s euphoric new single, “Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You)”.
Speaking of the record’s title, vocalist/guitarist Jack Steadman explains: “This is an album for anyone who’s ever turned to music in a time of need. It’s about the solace one can get from listening to music or playing music. For me personally it’s about the frustration of not being able to express myself to others, of leaving conversations feeling dissatisfied and misunderstood. Music’s the way I’m able to truly express myself”.
Bombay Bicycle Club have continued to grow, develop and evolve since the release of their debut album, I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose, back in 2009 when they signalled their arrival as young teenagers. Rarely in recent years has there been a British guitar band who have the craft and ability to avoid categorisation whilst uniting hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe. With an innate ear for melody and invention, the four-piece are a very welcome return to the fold just as British guitar music makes a timely renaissance.
Overall BBC’s world is at high standard whichever album you choose to listen to.
Six years on from 2014’s ‘So Long, See You Tomorrow’, with a brief hiatus (and a solo Jack Steadman album under the moniker Mr. Jukes) in between, Bombay Bicycle Club kick off 2020 with a collection of songs “for anyone who’s ever turned to music in a time of need.”
In a statement, Steadman adds of ‘Everything Else Has Gone Wrong’: “For me personally it’s about the frustration of not being able to express myself to others, of leaving conversations feeling dissatisfied and misunderstood. Music’s the way I’m able to truly express myself.” Lead single ‘Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You)’ is a lushly-produced hint of what’s to come, delivered with the same delicate, reassuring touch that defines the best of Bombay’s work.
Bombay Bicycle Club are back after a three-year official hiatus. Everything Else Has Gone Wrong will be their first release as a group since 2014. Along with the album and tour announcements, the band released a playful music video for lead single “Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You).” The song might sound like frontman Jack Steadman can’t get an ex off his mind, but it’s really thoughts of playing with the band that are haunting him and giving him no peace. The new video by their former touring keyboardist, Louis Bhose, who is now a sought-out director, begins with a lament for the troubled times of Bombay Bicycle Club’s hiatus. “Without their music,” it reads, “British society crumbled,” and it seems the band’s members didn’t fare too well, either. A pining Steadman, utterly isolated in drab industrial settings or abandoned countryside, tries desperately to hack making music on his own—only to find that his former bandmates are suffering, too. They’re all gazing at their creepy, candlelit shrines to their bandmates in their prime and tenderly stroking one another’s faces on their Bombay Bicycle Club wall posters. Lucky for us, because “Eat, Sleep, Wake” is a welcome return from a group that’s been greatly missed.
their new album “Everything Else Has Gone Wrong”, out 17th January 2020
We’re very happy to share with you our new single “Everything Else Has Gone Wrong”. This was the last song to be written for the album and it is a song we feel perfectly encapsulates what the album is about, so it felt fitting to go on and lend the album its name.
It’s about finding hope, safety and comfort during times of despair, when everything is seemingly crumbling all around you.
It’s about finding light in the dark, and the cathartic role that music can play in bleak situations.
You can listen to the song here. And you can watch the excellent video directed by our friend Louis Bhose here.
Our new single, ‘Everything Else Has Gone Wrong’, is out now.
Everything Else Has Gone Wrong is the eagerly anticipated follow-up to the British band’s acclaimed number 1 charting, Mercury Music Prize nominated fourth album, So Long, See You Tomorrow released back in 2014.
The new album was largely recorded out in the US alongside Grammy Award winning producer John Congleton (St. Vincent / Sharon Van Etten / War on Drugs). It features the band’s euphoric new single, Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You).
Speaking of the record’s title, vocalist/guitarist Jack Steadman explains: “This is an album for anyone who’s ever turned to music in a time of need. It’s about the solace one can get from listening to music or playing music. For me personally it’s about the frustration of not being able to express myself to others, of leaving conversations feeling dissatisfied and misunderstood. Music’s the way I’m able to truly express myself”.
Bombay Bicycle Club have continued to grow, develop and evolve since the release of their debut album, I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose, back in 2009 when they signalled their arrival as young teenagers. Rarely in recent years has there been a British guitar band who have the craft and ability to avoid categorisation whilst uniting hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe. With an innate ear for melody and invention, the four-piece are a very welcome return to the fold just as British guitar music makes a timely renaissance.
Band Members
jack steadman – vocals, guitars
jamie maccoll – guitars
suren de saram – drums
ed nash – bass
Both Vinyl versions come with a Limited Print, Everything Else Has Gone Wrong, out 17th January 2020
Toothless is the solo project of Bombay Bicycle Club’s Ed Nash. On his latest single, produced by the always in-demand Chris Coady, he teams up with the Staves, the artful folk-rock sister trio and Bon Iver associates .
Ed Nash’s latest music released under his new Toothless moniker. Having spent the past ten years playing bass in Bombay Bicycle Club, he’s been dreaming up this self-produced solo project for a while and has already released the cinematic and starry tune “Terra”, a slow-mover that is an absolute pleasure to sink into. This time round, Ed has called on label buddy Marika Hackman to join him on Palm’s Backside, a beautiful Belle & Sebastian-alike duet that tells of times shared, hands held, moments captured and love lost.
“The Sirens” finds Nash and the Stavely-Turner sisters flexing their harmonic powers over icy electronic rock production. This is an earlier couple of tracks one remixed by Darby of the Brooklyn band the Antlers also featuring another singer songwriter with vocals from Marika Hackman the effect is something like one of Sufjan Stevens’ early folk-rock epics transposed into his mid-career digital phase — only smoother, sleeker, and more propulsive
On October 18th, 2014 – Bombay Bicycle Club, recorded a full set at House of Blues Boston. The genre–bending group, formed in 2005 out of North London, put on a high octane set that spanned their four full length albums and three EPs. The sold–out Saturday night crowd witnessed an unforgettable performance including multiple tracks from their 2014 album, “So Long, See You Tomorrow” as well as hits from their earlier work.
Frontman, Jack Steadman, and bassist, Ed Nash, sat down with WGBH Music before the show to talk about everything from the origin of the band’s name, saying “Hello, Dublin!” in Belfast, and the evolution of their songwriting across their four albums.
Setlist
00:58 Overdone 03:53 Jack & Ed talk about the band’s name 05:08 It’s Alright Now 09:14 Shuffle 13:48 Lights Out, Words Gone 19:27 Your Eyes 26:35 Ed & Jack talk about why the band works well together 27:42 Home by Now 32:18 Jack & Ed talk about songwriting 33:25 Whenever, Wherever 37:29 Jack and Ed talk about the fans 38:45 Rinse Me Down 41:39 Jack talk about what makes a good live show 42:06 Ivy and Gold 45:00 Jack & Ed talk about horror stories on the road 46:25 The Giantess/Emergency Contraception Blues 51:34 Evening/Morning 55:55 How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep 59:19 Feel 1:04:35 Luna 1:08:43 Always Like This 1:13:54 What If 1:18:37 Carry Me
Front Row Boston is produced by WGBH Music and Crossroads Presents in association with NPR Music.
Jack Steadman from Bombay Bicycle Club has remixed the new single by Rae Morris, ‘From Above’.
Morris says, “I can’t tell you how excited and overwhelmed I am to be able to announce to you this very special remix of my single ‘From Above’ done by my friend Jack Steadman. I met Jack and the Bombay Bicycle Club boys last year when I supported them on their UK tour. I am such a massive fan of everything they create and hearing Jack’s take on my song is the most satisfying and inspiring feeling. I hope you dance hard to it!”
The Fat Angel Sings 