Hywel - vocals
Justin - guitar
Rob - guitar
Karthic - bass
Brendan - drums

The Sequins are five men in borrowed clothes with a musical vision all of their own. Five men with their hearts embroidered firmly on their thrift store sleeves. Brought together by a shared love of Joy Division and The Smiths and united through an inspired ukulele led rendition of the Talking Heads classic 'Psychokiller', the same maverick spirit began to course its way through their veins. Initially consisting of forever heartbroken but eternally optimistic frontman Hywel and shoeless kinetic guitarist Justin, The Sequins were soon to be joined by likeminded believers Karthic on bass, second guitarist Rob and drummer Simon.

Following Simon's exit to Manchester, new recruit Brendan admirably picked up the sticks. Driven by his metronome intensity and fearless passion, the band were propelled onwards to greater success. Each new gig brought increasing levels of deft showmanship, wide eyed melodies and breakneck energy. Girls lay heartbroken and starstruck on the floor and make up sporting dancing boys fearfully clutched their partners ever closer. Placing their instruments in their bicycle baskets and booking rooms at the nearest YWCAs, the band spread their ambitious glittering wings, playing a host of characteristically chaotic nationwide dates.

The Sequins' continually growing local fanbase demanded something to lovingly clutch to their chests and the band duly obliged. A self-released 8 track EP entitled 'Why Do I Smile?' was gratefully thrust upon the public. Unsurprisingly, the first run of CDs sold out immediately, lending the release a somewhat mythic local status. After playing a support slot for Brighton based kindred spirits British Sea Power, the impeccably refined eccentrics were compelled to mention The Sequins in a national magazine, describing them as fucking great and, quite wonderfully, as sounding like The Smiths playing Life On Mars. Such enthusiastically kind words led to a showcase spot on Claire Sturgess' XFM radio programme. 'The Death of Style' confirmed to the capital what the Midlands had known long before: a new gang of aesthetes were stirring up destructive beauty at England's heart.

Having received interest from a number of labels, The Sequins plan to release their first official single in the Spring of 2005 on Tough Love Records. The double A side of 'Dear Old Bill' and 'Nobody Dreams About Me' demonstrates the band's diversity perfectly. Stylish new wave time signatures collapse and reform around pristine melodies, while a metronome keeps ticking. The single looks set to signal even wider acclaim for The Sequins in 2005.

-Stephen, Tough Love Records, 8/2/05