Josh Todd – Vocals and Guitars
Lewis Tobia – Bass and Lyrics
Colin Burstow – Drums
Emily Rice – Cello
Vic Bernath - Violin
While The Fanclub’s start may seem modest, their rise remains unfaltered. Underpinned by the melancholic stylings of Josh Todd and the poetic nuance of Lewis Tobia, The Fanclub still retains a storied past.
“We went to the same school and Lewis and I have been friends since the age of 4, but we actually only got together musically in the last few months of school,” says Josh. “We had started writing some pretty sweet songs together and decided to give it a go ourselves. “
Even from the band’s beginnings, there has been an air of surreal mischief dating since those school days. They slyly slipped their way onto a JD Set bill, featuring Babyshambles, solely by walking into the venue and pretending to be the support band.
“Our first gig was actually at AFC Bournemouth. It was a very messy performance - I had had a few too many... A good night though.“
All of this imagery as cheeky chaps may seem misleading considering the bones of their music. Take a listen to their upcoming single, ‘Madman’, and you’ll hear a tender heart beating beneath the grandiosity of it all. The boys wear not only their hearts but their influences on their sleeves, as well. Says Lewis: -
“I've always been inspired by bands that really have something to say; lyricists such as Morrissey, Richey James Edwards and Nicky Wire have been massively influential for my writing, which is why they probably read more like existential musings. I've always thought hard about every single word as to me they are as important as any other aspect of the music – it's what people really connect to.”
And connection is inevitable on witnessing The Fanclub live. Josh’s voice soars over the natural majestic nature of the music, leaving many a spine to tingle. And with strings now being incorporated into the live fold, the band are promising to fix as many hearts as they break with a slew of new and even greater material.
After a creative meeting of minds between the band and producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Super Furry Animals) at an intense recording stint in the Cotswolds, the band are ready to present their debut track ‘Madman’ this coming July.
“We’d heard about his work with the Manics and were pretty determined to work with him from pretty early on (being massive Manics fans ourselves). He worked us pretty hard, but it was such a good experience – Greg’s input was invaluable and we learned a lot from him. We’d love to work with him again.”
“Bitter Boys and Graceless Girls’ by The Fanclub – The scene with Newt deciding to leave Hollyoaks for good needed a track which was both dramatic and emotional but not too sad. The instrumental version of this track by the up and coming London five-piece ‘The Fanclub’ fitted the bill perfectly and meant the popular former emo-child bade his final farewells to the village with hope and fond memories in his heart.”
Hollyoaks – The Music Playlist
“It’s not very often that a two-track offering can hint at the diversity of an act’s output, but that also means things can run the risk of sounding too far apart instead of a healthy contrast. Luckily The Fanclub’s release is an example of the latter and has whetted my appetite for what else lies between their two poles”.
Bearded Magazine
“A wondrous pairing of the dark, lingering tones of Morrissey and the effervescent, epic and other worldly soul of Jeff Buckley – Indie with soul, now that’s what we like!”
Subba Cultcha
“What a triumph this track is. ‘Madman’ is a big soaring indie pop gem which always steers clear of being pompous thanks top to its sharp stop start tempos. And co-track ‘Bitter Boys and Graceless Girls’ fully showcases vocalist Josh Todd’s impressive voice. Excellent. 9/10”
Tasty Fanzine
"...Showcases a quintet with a great sense of dynamics[...]I can foresee quite a few people catching on to this band"
Music Fan’s Mic
"It manages to be catchy without sacrificing its emotional element, a feat that may sound simple, but that a lot of bands somehow can’t seem to master"
AAA MUSIC
“The Fanclub ooze cool and confidence and have the potential to be very successful.”
The JD Set
Lewis Tobia – Bass and Lyrics
Colin Burstow – Drums
Emily Rice – Cello
Vic Bernath - Violin
While The Fanclub’s start may seem modest, their rise remains unfaltered. Underpinned by the melancholic stylings of Josh Todd and the poetic nuance of Lewis Tobia, The Fanclub still retains a storied past.
“We went to the same school and Lewis and I have been friends since the age of 4, but we actually only got together musically in the last few months of school,” says Josh. “We had started writing some pretty sweet songs together and decided to give it a go ourselves. “
Even from the band’s beginnings, there has been an air of surreal mischief dating since those school days. They slyly slipped their way onto a JD Set bill, featuring Babyshambles, solely by walking into the venue and pretending to be the support band.
“Our first gig was actually at AFC Bournemouth. It was a very messy performance - I had had a few too many... A good night though.“
All of this imagery as cheeky chaps may seem misleading considering the bones of their music. Take a listen to their upcoming single, ‘Madman’, and you’ll hear a tender heart beating beneath the grandiosity of it all. The boys wear not only their hearts but their influences on their sleeves, as well. Says Lewis: -
“I've always been inspired by bands that really have something to say; lyricists such as Morrissey, Richey James Edwards and Nicky Wire have been massively influential for my writing, which is why they probably read more like existential musings. I've always thought hard about every single word as to me they are as important as any other aspect of the music – it's what people really connect to.”
And connection is inevitable on witnessing The Fanclub live. Josh’s voice soars over the natural majestic nature of the music, leaving many a spine to tingle. And with strings now being incorporated into the live fold, the band are promising to fix as many hearts as they break with a slew of new and even greater material.
After a creative meeting of minds between the band and producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Super Furry Animals) at an intense recording stint in the Cotswolds, the band are ready to present their debut track ‘Madman’ this coming July.
“We’d heard about his work with the Manics and were pretty determined to work with him from pretty early on (being massive Manics fans ourselves). He worked us pretty hard, but it was such a good experience – Greg’s input was invaluable and we learned a lot from him. We’d love to work with him again.”
“Bitter Boys and Graceless Girls’ by The Fanclub – The scene with Newt deciding to leave Hollyoaks for good needed a track which was both dramatic and emotional but not too sad. The instrumental version of this track by the up and coming London five-piece ‘The Fanclub’ fitted the bill perfectly and meant the popular former emo-child bade his final farewells to the village with hope and fond memories in his heart.”
Hollyoaks – The Music Playlist
“It’s not very often that a two-track offering can hint at the diversity of an act’s output, but that also means things can run the risk of sounding too far apart instead of a healthy contrast. Luckily The Fanclub’s release is an example of the latter and has whetted my appetite for what else lies between their two poles”.
Bearded Magazine
“A wondrous pairing of the dark, lingering tones of Morrissey and the effervescent, epic and other worldly soul of Jeff Buckley – Indie with soul, now that’s what we like!”
Subba Cultcha
“What a triumph this track is. ‘Madman’ is a big soaring indie pop gem which always steers clear of being pompous thanks top to its sharp stop start tempos. And co-track ‘Bitter Boys and Graceless Girls’ fully showcases vocalist Josh Todd’s impressive voice. Excellent. 9/10”
Tasty Fanzine
"...Showcases a quintet with a great sense of dynamics[...]I can foresee quite a few people catching on to this band"
Music Fan’s Mic
"It manages to be catchy without sacrificing its emotional element, a feat that may sound simple, but that a lot of bands somehow can’t seem to master"
AAA MUSIC
“The Fanclub ooze cool and confidence and have the potential to be very successful.”
The JD Set
Indie Rock Indie Psychedelic Post-punk Garage rock