Thee Vicars

Originating in Bury St. Edmunds, the Suffolk market town famed for Greene King ales, Thee Vicars emerged as a quartet of youthful musicians devoted to a hard-charging rock & roll style that evoked an earlier era. The group coalesced in 2007 while its members were still in their teens, with bassist and vocalist Mike Whittaker aged 17, drummer Jasper Kemp at 16, and guitarists Reuben Kemp and Marcus Volkert each 15. They quickly established themselves on nearby stages by delivering an intense blend of garage rock and first-wave punk shaped by the Buzzcocks, the Mummies, and the assorted endeavors of Billy Childish. Following two 7" EPs issued on modest regional imprints, Dirty Water Records signed the band, resulting in the 2008 release of their debut long-player Back on the Streets, which drew favorable critical notice. Extensive live work ensued, after which the single “You Lie” appeared and revealed a shift toward greater emphasis on garage and beat textures while retaining the group’s forceful drive. Further touring preceded another studio session that featured a revised lineup: Jasper Kemp and Reuben Kemp departed, with guitarist Chris Langeland and drummer Will Pattenden taking their places. Dirty Water issued the resulting album Psychotic Beat! in the United Kingdom, while Get Hip handled the American release, both in early 2010.