Sizer Barker

Members

History

Formed in 1998 by singer Carl Brown, the band began performing under the name "The Modernaires" with what was to be the first of many line ups. Harmonium and sampler duties were carried out by Jamie McCarthy, an experimental composer who had helped Brown shape and ultimately complete the band's distinctive demos. The distorted bass and vocals which characterised its sound served to rough up songs with an essentially pop sensibility.

Despite generating interest from various labels the band was unable to secure a deal and decided to release a single on its manager's label, Hug Records.

Co-produced by Markus Dravs, the single "Day By Day" was well received at radio, making single of the week on Radio 1, Radio 2, Virgin Radio and XFM amongst others. Following this initial interest, the band prepared to release a second single, "Something In The Park". It was cancelled, however, because of its lyrical content following the tragic events of 9/11. The band withdrew to the studio to start work on an album. Brown, Bruzon and new keyboard player and programmer, Matt Childs, began the task of self-producing the album which eventually found its way to the hands of Peter Gabriel who signed the band to his Real World label in 2003.

With Markus Dravs back on keyboard, the album Hotel Juicy Parlour was completed and released on Pre Records, an imprint set up by Real World. Later that year the band toured Europe as a support act on the final leg of Peter Gabriel's "Growing Up" tour.

Following further tours and yet more changes to the line up, Brown and Bruzon retreated to work on material to follow up Hotel Juicy Parlour. After more than a year and with two new members, James Walsh and Vidar Norheim, they decided to launch a new project, WaveMachines, with releases planned for late 2007.

Discography