Genres Indie Pop Labels INC-JEN Records | Years active 2012–present Past members Josh Harrison Record label INC-JEN Music Ltd | |
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Members Tom KnightsLuke VosperIsaac Vosper Albums Identity, Pavilion, Blossom |
The mono polys insomnia
The Mono Polys are an English indie pop band, formed in Colchester in 2012 by vocalist Tom Knights and keyboardist Josh Harrison. They were supported and managed by Mark Pearman, a TV Executive at Sky Sports whose daughter introduced Tom in early 2012. The band consisted of Knights, Harrison and later joined by brothers Luke Vosper (guitar, bass) and Isaac Vosper (drums). It was announced on the band’s Facebook page on 11 January 2015 that founder Josh Harrison was leaving the band to “pursue other musical interests”. By January 2016 Tom Knights was pursuing other musical direction but was at this point being passed advice by David Balfe (Ex Food Records and Blur Mgmt) as well as other musical names who were interested in his development and his work. Tom began working with a new band called 'Lunar Quiet' in Brighton and began gigging in Brighton and London. Tom sadly passed away in Brighton on the 22nd of October 2016, he was just 22.
Contents
- The mono polys insomnia
- The mono polys identity
- Pavilion 2012
- Blossom 2013
- Identity 2014present
- Discography
- Songs
- References
The mono polys identity
‘Pavilion’ (2012)
Knights and Harrison had collaborated together prior to the formation of The Mono Polys as part of Colchester-based four-piece Red Fenetre. Following their departure from the band, they formed The Mono Polys in February 2012 at Colchester 6th form college, releasing their debut EP Life the next month.
Between April and September 2012, Knights and Harrison toured parts of East Anglia, supporting The Libertines drummer Gary Powell before returning to Essex to record their debut album, Pavilion. The download version of the album, released on 31 November 2012, featured an acoustic version of ‘Summertime’ produced by Joel Stoker of The Rifles. The rest of the album was produced by the band’s manager.
‘Blossom’ (2013)
After receiving airplay on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music, Luke and Isaac Vosper joined the band in early 2013. As a four-piece, the band then embarked on a 5 month tour, supporting Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets). In an interview with Darkus Magazine, Luke Vosper explained: “I met Josh at college and we got talking about music. He mentioned that his band was looking for a bassist, so he and Tom came round to try a few ideas out. Things didn’t really click at first so we got my little brother Isaac in to play drums and straight away it worked. We then had 2 weeks to learn a 17 song set for our first 4 piece gig.” 2013 ended with the band supporting Carl Barât alongside Reverend and The Makers and The Rifles at London's Vibe Bar for New Year's Eve.
Joel Stoker later returned to help the band produce their second EP, Blossom, which was released January 25, 2014 and received its debut airplay on Soccer AM. The EP was received well abroad and benefited from BBC Radio airplay in England. In the Netherlands, 'Insomnia' reached #1 in the Free 40 Alternative Chart in March.
'Identity' (2014–present)
The band began recording tracks for a new EP in August 2014, and were soon after featured in Loaded magazine. Although they expected to have a third EP ready by the end of the year, with the departure of Harrison, the release was delayed until 2015. In April 2015, the band announced on Facebook their plans to release Identity in May, along with two London tour dates and a slot at The Alternative Escape Festival, part of The Great Escape Festival. During the Mono Polys short existence they played approx 80 gigs around the country including Exeter, Cardiff, Bristol, Poole, Brighton, Birmingham, Stoke,Manchester, Nottingham and of course London and had national Radio air play on BBC Radio.
Discography
Songs
Translucent TearsPavilion · 2012
She's Losing Her MindPavilion · 2012
You Think You Know It AllPavilion · 2012