Palace Fires

Palace Fires present a lilting style of indie rock through drummer Matt James and guitarist Steve Mason, both formerly of the '90s Britpop band Gene, together with bassist Mike Buchanan and vocalist/guitarist Ed Bannard. Following Gene's 2004 breakup, Mason and James aimed to sustain their partnership, yet locating an appropriate singer turned into an extended challenge. Early the next year they met the doe-eyed Bannard at a London club, and Buchanan's arrival completed the lineup that became Palace Fires. The group's debut single, the U.K.-only "Nothing Comes Close," appeared on Bespoke in August 2006.