Budapest

Originating in the modest Oxfordshire community of Leamington Spa, the English post-grunge quintet Budapest formed during 1999. Drawing their name from the Hungarian capital, John Garrison (vocals/guitar), Adrian Kelley (bass), Mark Walworth (guitar), Paul Possart (drums), and Chris Pemberton (piano) pursued heavy melodies alongside cinematic soundscapes, entering the studio to record a debut album three years later. Too Blind to Hear showcased Garrison’s lush lyrical imagery together with the band’s assured execution, yet tragedy soon eclipsed the finished recordings. The group felt utterly devastated after founding guitarist Walworth took his own life one week following completion of Too Blind to Hear. Honoring his memory, the remaining members persisted and issued the album through Easy Street Music. Matt Parker later came aboard as lead guitarist, supplying fresh impetus for Budapest to continue. Heartfelt songs earned acclaim from the British press, prompting a Canadian tour during 2001. Republic/Universal extended an American contract two years afterward, and Too Blind to Hear reached the United States in March 2003.