Clocks

Clocks originated as a quartet in Epsom, a suburb outside London, drawing on the work of such English rock forebears as the La's, Oasis, Teenage Fanclub, the Beatles, and the Kinks. Rich Farris (drums and vocals), Tom Hewitt (lead vocals and guitars), Ed Hilliam (lead guitar and vocals), and John Ricketts (bass) first crossed paths as Scouts and launched the group in 2000. After choosing to pursue music in earnest, the members devoted most of 2005 to sharpening their craft and cultivating grassroots attention. Their debut single, "That Much Better," surfaced in 2006 on Hungry Kid, leading Island Records to sign the band. During 2006 and 2007 Clocks polished their style further, touring throughout the UK and supporting the Fray and the Feeling. A follow-up single, "All I Can," arrived in January 2008 and was succeeded that April by "Old Valve Radio," the pair positioned as advance previews of a full-length debut slated for summer 2008.