Biography
The Tunics came together in Croydon, South London, during 2006. Their high-energy yet intellectually sharp brand of rock & roll quickly earned praise from both listeners and reviewers. Traces of earlier British groups surface in the music, with echoes of the Libertines, Oasis, and even Radiohead detectable, yet the band consistently forges a distinctive identity from those sources. Early crowds responded with such intensity that several concerts were halted, prompting Croydon Council to attempt a local performance ban that ultimately failed.
Once a sizable audience had formed and a contract with independent imprint Manta Ray Music was secured, the group tracked its first full-length release, Somewhere in Somebody's Heart, alongside producer James Lewis (Wombats, Arctic Monkeys) toward the end of 2007. Issued initially in limited quantities, the album yielded the singles “The Cost of Living” and “Shine On.” Live presentation expanded as the Tunics began incorporating additional musicians, extra instrumentation, and guest rappers during shows. This ongoing refinement, paired with steadily compelling material, attracted interest from independent radio outlets globally, resulting in broadcasts across America, Australia, and Europe. Increased London headline appearances further enlarged their following and prompted inclusion in “ones to watch” features in The Fly and NME.
The arrival of drumming prodigy Joe Blanks in early 2009 added a powerful new dimension, his expansive style supplying an ideal foundation for the ensemble. Bassist Scott Shepherd’s detailed, inventive lines supplied a markedly danceable pulse that deserves substantial recognition for the band’s live impact. Frontman Joe Costello’s words on tracks such as “Paris, France” and “Whatever Happened” combined emotional depth with sharp intelligence, distinguishing the Tunics from peers, while “Fade Out” and “Waiting” highlighted the group’s force and instrumental precision.
Once a sizable audience had formed and a contract with independent imprint Manta Ray Music was secured, the group tracked its first full-length release, Somewhere in Somebody's Heart, alongside producer James Lewis (Wombats, Arctic Monkeys) toward the end of 2007. Issued initially in limited quantities, the album yielded the singles “The Cost of Living” and “Shine On.” Live presentation expanded as the Tunics began incorporating additional musicians, extra instrumentation, and guest rappers during shows. This ongoing refinement, paired with steadily compelling material, attracted interest from independent radio outlets globally, resulting in broadcasts across America, Australia, and Europe. Increased London headline appearances further enlarged their following and prompted inclusion in “ones to watch” features in The Fly and NME.
The arrival of drumming prodigy Joe Blanks in early 2009 added a powerful new dimension, his expansive style supplying an ideal foundation for the ensemble. Bassist Scott Shepherd’s detailed, inventive lines supplied a markedly danceable pulse that deserves substantial recognition for the band’s live impact. Frontman Joe Costello’s words on tracks such as “Paris, France” and “Whatever Happened” combined emotional depth with sharp intelligence, distinguishing the Tunics from peers, while “Fade Out” and “Waiting” highlighted the group’s force and instrumental precision.
Albums
