The Fashion

Originating from Denmark, the danceable post-punk ensemble The Fashion achieved notable impact at home with its first album in 2003. At the group's center stood vocalist Jakob "Plastic Kid" Printzlau, guitarist Anders Find Axelsen, and bassist Christian Lignell Bækholm, who had performed together since 1995 and all came from Svendborg. Earlier efforts ranged from the industrial metal project Faceplant to the punky Joyphilter, the latter of which built a loyal audience before its drummer's departure prompted a complete reset. Jakob Ankaer Johansen joined on drums while Christoffer Griebel took up keyboards. A three-song 3" CD released on the indie imprint North Post secured a deal with BMG, which issued the debut full-length Rock Rock Kiss Kiss Combo under the name The Fashion in 2003. Its buoyant singles "Let's Go Dancing" and "Roller Disco Inferno" fused the angular guitar rock of the expanding dance-punk scene with an especially buoyant playfulness akin to fellow Danes Junior Senior. European traction and exposure via MTV and Rolling Stone followed, yet the members chose an extended pause from touring and recording to pursue schooling, raise families, and sharpen their material. Now operating as a quartet after keyboardist Griebel exited shortly following the debut, the band resurfaced in 2007 with a self-titled sophomore album that adopted a modestly tougher stance, featuring the poppy singles "Like Knives," "Solo Impala," and "Letters from the Ambulance." Slated for release the next year in multiple territories including the U.S., the group also mapped out an extensive international tour.