- Make
records? Release them yourself? Secure your own radio play?; The Fades were
DIY heroes long before it became the latest buzz-term, and their enthusiasm
is hard to escape. Perhaps it comes from the infectious energy of their
blistering punk-fuelled pop. These South West Londoners are on a mission
to be heard, and they know how to do it.
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Inspired by the spirit of grunge, Twickenham-based brothers
Dave and James Lightfoot , joined by guitarist Jonny Barnard and Graham
Best, started writing uniquely British punk-pop with a backbone of messed-up
rocknroll. They made records in their flat with old analogue equipment
picked up at boot sales. They gigged and gigged. The Fades didnt sit and
wait for the big deal. They released the records themselves. And people
noticed. Radio 1, XFM, 6music: they heard and they understood: Its not
about a release plot: its about great songs, total commitment, manic energy
which borders on the chaotic.
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Each release received more attention than the last. Double
a-side single You Say/1995 was embraced by Xfm and made the main playlist.
Steve Lamacq played them on Radio 1. Xfm and 6music called on The Fades
to record live sessions. And all the time The Fades gigged, honed their
sound. They toured the UK with Art Brut, they played with the likes of;
Mystery Jets, Mower, Dustins Bar Mitzvah, Larrikin Love and many more.
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The Fades are only just warming up, and now Dan Wheeldon
and Flash have replaced Dave Lightfoot and G Best, it's going to be more
of the same. More records, more gigs, total commitment and enthusiasm.
Soon the Fades will be coming to your town and asking to stay at your
house. They will be performing high octane, high powered punk, rock n
roll. Let them in.
