Biography
An artful and atmospheric pop group from Scotland, Strike the Colours originated as the vision of vocalist, violinist, and songwriter Jenny Reeve. Previously a member of Eva, she had also contributed to projects alongside Snow Patrol, Idlewild, and Arab Strap. Growing dissatisfied in 2005 with Eva’s limited capacity for her compositions, Reeve began creating demos alongside her close friend David McAulay, a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. What started as supportive assistance soon evolved into a shared creative effort, prompting the pair to establish a full band in 2006. They recruited bassist Gareth Russell, formerly of the Reindeer Section and Astrid, along with drummer Denis Sheridan.
The ensemble issued its initial recordings on the 2007 EP The Face That Sunk a Thousand Ships. Critics responded warmly, British radio granted airplay, and the group launched a steady schedule of performances, both headlining and supporting Malcolm Middleton as well as Angus & Julia Stone. When Denis Sheridan moved to Australia in 2008, Jonny Scott, previously with the Phantom Band and Emma Pollock, stepped in as drummer and appeared on the sessions for the debut album Seven Roads, released in 2009. The record again drew strong critical approval, and several tracks were featured in the television series Lip Service and the film You Instead.
Bassist Gareth Russell departed in 2010 because of touring commitments with the Vaselines and Idlewild. Graeme Smillie, who had previously worked with Scott in support of Emma Pollock and had performed with Unwinding Hours and Sons and Daughters, took over on bass. The refreshed lineup then commenced work on a new album, opting to capture all performances live in the studio. In March 2014 the band posted on its Facebook page that the record had been mixed and mastered, with a release scheduled for later that year.
The ensemble issued its initial recordings on the 2007 EP The Face That Sunk a Thousand Ships. Critics responded warmly, British radio granted airplay, and the group launched a steady schedule of performances, both headlining and supporting Malcolm Middleton as well as Angus & Julia Stone. When Denis Sheridan moved to Australia in 2008, Jonny Scott, previously with the Phantom Band and Emma Pollock, stepped in as drummer and appeared on the sessions for the debut album Seven Roads, released in 2009. The record again drew strong critical approval, and several tracks were featured in the television series Lip Service and the film You Instead.
Bassist Gareth Russell departed in 2010 because of touring commitments with the Vaselines and Idlewild. Graeme Smillie, who had previously worked with Scott in support of Emma Pollock and had performed with Unwinding Hours and Sons and Daughters, took over on bass. The refreshed lineup then commenced work on a new album, opting to capture all performances live in the studio. In March 2014 the band posted on its Facebook page that the record had been mixed and mastered, with a release scheduled for later that year.