Codeine Velvet Club is a Glasgow, Scotland, alternative rock band which formed in 2008, by Lou Hickey and Jon Lawler (better known as Jon Fratelli), while Jon's main band, The Fratellis, were taking a break before recording their third studio album. Their eponymous début was "Codeine Velvet Club" (28 Dec 2009). Jon stated Codeine Velvet Club while The Fratellis were touring their "Here We Stand" album, that he wanted to release a solo effort to keep himself busy between albums, indicating that the band were going to take a break once they finished touring the album. The Fratellis finished their touring commitments, with The Hop Farm Festival (Jul 2009), after which they went on to new projects. Fans already knew that Jon was going to do a side project, by this point. It was later reported that he had formed a band called 'Codeine Breakfast Club' with Lou on NME, but fans has already been aware of the involvement of Jon and Lou. On 23 Aug 2009, it was reported in the Sunday Mail that the band was to be called Codeine Velvet Club and would be releasing their eponymous début, on 16 Nov 2009. The article also included a track-by-track with Jon. This article also mentioned that Jon and Lou shared songwriting duties between them. The band's official website was unveiled (although in a basic form) and featured a clip of their song "Vanity Kills". Fans who sign up to the mailing list were able to view the full song as performed by the band. Later on, the website contained information about their début shows (15 , 17 & 19 Sept), a video player was also added to the site, showing full versions of "Vanity Kills" and new track "Hollywood". Reviews to the initial shows were positive, complimenting the duo's vocals and the musical arrangements.
