The Hoosiers

The Hoosiers, initially performing under the name Hoosier Complex, drew listeners toward their melodic indie pop laced with retro influences beginning in 2007. Guitarist and vocalist Irwin Sparkes joined drummer Alfonso Sharland in selecting the shared band name after departing the region around Reading, England, for a cross-country drive through America that brought them to Indiana University and its Hoosier mascot. Bassist Martin Skarendahl came aboard once the journey ended, after which the group secured a contract with RCA Records. The first two singles, "Worried About Ray" and "Goodbye Mr. A," reached number five and number four on the U.K. charts, while debut album The Trick to Life arrived at the summit in October 2007. Certified double-platinum in the U.K., the record sustained years of touring before the band issued its second album, The Illusion of Safety, in 2010.