Biography
British rock outfit Area 11 coined the term “gaijin rock” for their distinctive blend of pop-punk, metal, prog, and glam, an approach deeply colored by their fascination with anime, video games, and Japanese comics. Sparkles*—born Tom Clarke—and guitarists Luke Owens and Alex Parvis launched the project in 2010 after crossing paths at a Nottingham rehearsal space. Though their opening session fell flat, the trio sensed enough potential to keep going, soon adding bassist Tim Yearsley and drummer Leo Taylor. The expanded lineup began shaping songs and uploading early demos, then took the stage for the first time in March 2011. Local crowds responded strongly, prompting plans for an EP. Before that project materialized, Tim Yearsley stepped aside for Jonathan Kogan and Luke Owens departed, leaving a four-piece. The resulting debut EP, Backline, surfaced in autumn 2011 and quickly drew notice. In 2012 the Yogscast video team enlisted Sparkles* and Alex Parvis to score some of their online material; impressed by the results, the Yogscast placed Area 11 on their own imprint. Several singles preceded a refreshed version of Backline in early 2013. By the close of January that edition had been discontinued in favor of the band’s debut full-length, All the Lights in the Sky. An EP culled from the album, Heaven-Piercing Giga Drill, arrived later that year. Area 11 toured in support and issued additional singles such as “Homunculus” and “Underline.” The group entered the studio for its second album in 2015; Cooking Vinyl released Modern Synthesis in July 2016.