Biography
Fretblanket originated in the modest midlands community of Stourbridge in the U.K., where the group drew early influence from acts such as Ride, the Wedding Present, and Swervedriver. Its lineup of Matt Carey on drums, Will Copley handling vocals and guitar, Clive Powell on guitar and vocals, and Dave Allsopp on bass first came together during their school years near 1987. The band secured a deal with Polygram Records, the U.S.-based label, in 1993 and released its debut album Junkfuel the following year. Home Truths From Abroad appeared in 1997. Though the second record displayed greater refinement, both LPs adhered to a familiar post-grunge approach that blended raw energy with melodic elements, prompting ready associations with Bush. The short-lived MTV program 12 Angry Viewers gave strong marks to “Into the Ocean,” the lead single from Home Truths. Once the clip dropped from frequent airplay, however, and amid ongoing difficulties with the label, Fretblanket returned unobtrusively to Stourbridge.
Albums