Late of the Pier

History

The band formed in 2004, although some of the songs they perform were written before this, with some dating back to 2001. Their debut single "Space and the Woods" was released through WayOutWest Records from the band's Zarcorp Demo EP in March 2007. This was limited to 500 copies only. The band's second single "Bathroom Gurgle" was produced by Erol Alkan and was released in September 2007 by Moshi Moshi Records. Like their previous release, this was also limited to 500 copies. Their third single, "The Bears Are Coming", was released on 12" and download only, with 7" versions being sold exclusively on their February 2008 tour. This was released through the band's own Zarcorp label. Their fourth single, a double A-side including a new version of "Space and the Woods" as well as "Focker", was released following a headline slot on the Levi's Ones To Watch tour.

Late of the Pier opened 2007's Carling Weekend on the NME/Radio One stage, while appearing on the festival's Republic stage a year later in 2008. The band have performed in support slots for Hadouken!, Soulwax, Justice and U.N.K.L.E.. Late of the Pier supported Kaiser Chiefs on their headline tour of the UK in 2008.

Their debut album, Fantasy Black Channel, was released by Parlophone on 11 August 2008. On 7 September 2009, it was voted winner of the Neptune Music Prize on the Drowned in Sound website. They released a new single titled "Blueberry" as a digital download on 17 December 2009, and as a double A-Side in February 2010 with "Best in the Class."

Following the March 2010 release of Blueberry/Best In The Class, the band concentrated on a number of side projects and personal work, and stated that it was unlikely that new material would be forthcoming.

Lead singer Sam Eastgate featured on Filthy Dukes' track "This Rhythm" on their debut album Nonsense in the Dark. He produced Manchester indie pop band Egyptian Hip Hop's debut double A-side single Wild Human Child/Heavenly.

Eastgate also toured as part of New Zealand indie twee act Connan Mockasin's band on his 2010 album release tour around New Zealand.

Dawson did some session work and joined London based band Zibra in summer 2014, but left in early 2015.

In early 2015, Eastgate released the album "Inji" and its lead single "Oino" under the name La Priest.

On 21 May 2015, the band's former label Parlophone announced the death of drummer Ross Dawson. A press release from the musician's family, via the label, stated that Dawson was "involved in a very sudden and tragic accident" on 15 May. Dawson's family write, "Ross was a monumental force in the lives of everybody who knew him, multi-talented, modest, kind and generous; he loved and was loved by his family. The world has become a sadder place without him. He will be eternally missed by all who knew and loved him." Following Dawson's death, the band have no plans to reform.

Musical style

Late of the Pier's style has often been compared to artists like Gary Numan, Brian Eno, Stephen Dubrich, Bill Nelson of Be-Bop Deluxe fame, and the more contemporary Metronomy and Klaxons, mainly due to the prominent use of synthesisers in an off-kilter pop style.

Albums

Demos