Apollo 440

Apollo 440

Apollo 440 is an electronic rock band from Liverpool, United Kingdom, formed in 1990. The group is active and is associated with alternative dance, big beat, electronic, electronica and house, as well as techno, dance and ambient elements. The line-up includes Norman Fisher-Jones, James Gardner, Howard Gray, Trevor Gray, Rej Ap Gwynedd, Cliff Hewitt and Noko.

Origins and name

The band forms in Liverpool by brothers Trevor Gray and Howard Gray with fellow Liverpudlians Noko and James Gardner. Gardner leaves after the first album is recorded. The name combines references to the Greek god Apollo, the concert pitch frequency A440, and the Sequential Circuits Studio 440 sampler/sequencer.

Sound and line-up

All members sing and contribute samples, electronics and computer-based sounds. The group builds a style that combines rock, techno and ambient music with dancefloor-focused production.

Recordings and releases

After moving to the Camden area of London, Apollo 440 records its debut album, Millennium Fever, which appears in 1994 on its own Stealth Sonic Recordings label, distributed by Epic Records. The band later changes its name styling to Apollo Four Forty in 1996, then switches back for a later album.

Reception and notable tracks

The group is known for remixes, but its original material gains wider attention with Liquid Cool. The singles “Krupa” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Dub” bring the band international attention, with the latter playing a major part in its wider breakthrough.

Later activity

The band later relocates its headquarters to Islington, London, where it is also based at “Apollo Control”. In 2007, it plays a tribute concert for Billy MacKenzie and continues afterwards.