• Luke Branch - vocals, guitar
• Leon Marshall - bass
• Dave Lucas - drums

British rock band ‘Smother’ was formed by Luke Branch, Leon Marshall and Dave Lucas whilst in their teens. After a series of chaotic live shows the first demo was recorded and eventually fell into the lap of acclaimed producer, Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers, Idlewild, Ash). Alongside this Smother met ex-Happy Mondays manager and Yogaboy Records owner, Nathan McGough after a London show. Nathan, suitably impressed signed them up.

Their first single 'Square Wheels' (produced by Dave Eringa) was released to huge critical acclaim late in 2002. It was play-listed at Radio 1 and XFM and gained plays with Claire Sturgess, Mark & Lard, Mary Anne Hobbs, Mark Radcliffe, Steve Lamac and Zane Lowe who all championed the youngsters. They were also asked to perform live sessions for the BBC and XFM. The future looked good!

Into 2003 and McGough decided to quit the music industry and Yogaboy Records was no longer. The band spent six months developing their live shows and gathered some great reviews in Kerrang amongst others. Later that year the band were invited to tour with Bolton rock band, Kinesis. The tour was a massive milestone in the band’s progression.

Seeing an amazing performance at end of the tour, Solar Management put the band back into the studio with Dave Eringa to record further tracks. Producer Steve Bush (Stereophonics) was so impressed he also offered his mixing services gratis. During 2004 the band have written a wealth of exciting new tracks and recording is currently in progress with some outstanding new tracks already completed.

The band have just signed to Global Warming Records in the UK and a single is planned soon. Interest is growing rapidly.

Releases

• Great White Hoax - album, out 23/05/2005 on Global Warming Records. (post review)
• Understand - single, out 09/05/2005 on Global Warming Records. (post review)
• Square Wheels - single, out 11/11/2002 on Yogaboy. (post review)

Past events

• Blackpool vs. Manchester, Sun 27 Nov at Manchester Jabez Clegg. (post review)
• Sat 19 Nov at Southampton Lennons. (post review)
• Mon 03 Nov at London Monto Water Rats. 1 review (read/post)
• Fri 13 Jun at London Highbury Garage. 1 review (read/post)

News

• 01/05/2003: Kinesis. Smother. Deal. Tour
• 01/05/2003: Southend Goes Mental!
• 04/02/2003: Smother. London. This Thursday.
• 12/12/2002: Reuben: Added to Jetplane Charity Show
• 07/12/2002: Jetplane Landing play shelter gig

Features

• 30/11/2002: DiS Xmas Alldayer Line-up
• 13/11/2002: Exploudingly Good
• 10/11/2002: D:Frag; London Gig Previews #28

Links

• Smother - official site

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