Burn The Negative

Burn The Negative

Burn The Negative are a Carlisle-based British electronic rock act associated with indie rock, synthpop, indie, alternative rock and electronic music. The group forms around Mark Baker and Gary Little, who have recorded together for about 15 years under several names before Burn The Negative. Their earlier work includes house and dance projects Lil’ Devious and Percy Filth, with releases such as “Show Me Your Monkey” under Percy Filth, and “Come Home” and “A Latin Thing” under Lil’ Devious.

Line-up and background

Mark Baker handles vocals and writes most of the material for the band’s debut album, while Gary Little contributes song-writing and synth programming. Gareth Milburn plays bass and synths, and Lee Smith plays guitars and textures and provides backing vocals. Baker and Little also work as producers and have collaborated with musicians including Mick Karn of Japan, Leee John of Imagination, and Calvin Harris, whom they sign and help produce early in his career.

Sound and influences

The group describes its music as “kamikaze new-wave-electro pop” and blends energetic disco, electro beats, new romantic rhythms, and elements of 1970s punk, 1980s rock and 1990s house. Their influences include Japan, David Sylvian, Gary Numan, Sonic Youth, David Bowie, Baby Ford and Nine Inch Nails, alongside other artists from new romantic, new wave, post-punk, industrial and indie scenes.

Releases and label

Burn The Negative sign to Gung Ho! Recordings and prepare a debut album, In The Atmosphere, which partly records at Abbey Road Studios. Their single “Wonder Why” is singled out as a “future guitar anthem for the club market” by M8 magazine. The album is described as having epic keyboard parts, prominent guitar lines and heavy percussion.

Position in the label roster

Gung Ho! Recordings also releases music by Gus Gus, Zoo Brazil, Petter & The Pix and The Japanese Popstars, placing Burn The Negative alongside a label catalogue focused on electronic and dance-oriented music.