Biography
Fighting with Wire emerged in 2003 as a three-piece melodic post-hardcore outfit based in County Derry, Northern Ireland. Their eclectic approach drew heavily from the rise of 1990s grunge, most notably the sounds of Jimmy Eat World and Weezer, while also incorporating the sharper edges of dissonant emo and hardcore punk acts including Fugazi and At the Drive-In. Observers have likened the band’s technically proficient yet approachable style to that of peers such as Funeral for a Friend, Lostprophets, and Hundred Reasons.
The project began as a side venture for guitarist and vocalist Cahir O’Doherty, already active in the London groups Jetplane Landing and Clearshot, alongside drummer Craig McKean, likewise a member of Clearshot. The roster stayed in flux until bassist Jamie King joined as the third permanent member. The band aligned with Smalltown America, the D.I.Y. independent imprint established by Jetplane Landing’s Andrew Ferris, and proceeded to issue a run of limited-edition singles while also appearing on various label compilations. Extensive touring across the U.K. and Ireland ensued, with support slots alongside Biffy Clyro, Against Me!, and You Me at Six.
The group tracked its debut album in Northern Ireland throughout 2007, resulting in the March 2008 U.K. and Ireland release of Man vs. Monster on Smalltown America. The lead single “Everyone Needs a Nemesis” surfaced in June 2008, followed by “All for Nothing” that October and “Sugar” the following March. In 2009 Atlantic Records acquired the band, intending to issue Man vs. Monster on a global scale.
The project began as a side venture for guitarist and vocalist Cahir O’Doherty, already active in the London groups Jetplane Landing and Clearshot, alongside drummer Craig McKean, likewise a member of Clearshot. The roster stayed in flux until bassist Jamie King joined as the third permanent member. The band aligned with Smalltown America, the D.I.Y. independent imprint established by Jetplane Landing’s Andrew Ferris, and proceeded to issue a run of limited-edition singles while also appearing on various label compilations. Extensive touring across the U.K. and Ireland ensued, with support slots alongside Biffy Clyro, Against Me!, and You Me at Six.
The group tracked its debut album in Northern Ireland throughout 2007, resulting in the March 2008 U.K. and Ireland release of Man vs. Monster on Smalltown America. The lead single “Everyone Needs a Nemesis” surfaced in June 2008, followed by “All for Nothing” that October and “Sugar” the following March. In 2009 Atlantic Records acquired the band, intending to issue Man vs. Monster on a global scale.
Albums