THE LIGHTS (BalconyTV)

BALCONYTV LONDON 11/07/2009

PRESENTED BY LAYLA ANNA-LEE


theLights are a five piece melodic alt pop band from the heart of the U.K. Their sound is like nobody else, unique, ecletic and intimately epic with a touch of old enough to know better! As lyrically adept as Idlewild but as melodically breezy as a hard rock Teenage Fanclub, they are a challenge to pigeonhole. Imagine Elvis Costello writing lyrics for ELO, fronted by James Dean Bradfield's younger siblings!

The live Lights experience is electric and frequently spine-tingling, rather than a bunch of college kids recycling one catchy hook, they actually sound like a real working class band with the fire, heart and poise that playing and writing together for years has afforded them.

Shaun (vocals, guitar and the main songwriting force) and Gary (bass guitar) lived in the same street from a young age. From writing songs on the swings of their local park, they hired a classroom at the high school and started taking it more seriously. They were both in other bands before teaming up with Liz (vocals and keyboards) who they met at a gig. Dan (lead guitar) who worked with Gary, was soon recruited and with the others started a three year process of finding a sound and fine-tuning their distinctive style. After a period of hard work and a decent grip on what they wanted to sound like, Warren (Drums and percussion) was added as the final piece in the jigsaw. They continued to work hard and with influences from all the group, found the sound they were looking for.

Check out their site at www.thelights.co.uk

Tune in again tomorrow!