Coley

Coley forms in 2001 after the break-up of The Fifth Elephant. The project begins when Dan and Andrew, who are the main creative pair in The Fifth Elephant, decide to move toward a more accessible and more acoustic sound. The first live appearance takes place at the 12-Bar Club in Soho, where Dan and Andrew perform with the support of both sets of brothers, Jon and Mark, on stage.

Line-up

Over time, the group adds Matt on drums, percussion and guitar, Will on rhythm guitar, and Jon on lead guitar. Todd Williams also joins for a short period as singer and guitarist before going on to form Flow. Dan and Andrew remain central to the project, and the band continues to draw on material from the Fifth Elephant period alongside newer songs.

Style and influences

The band plays guitar-led rock with Hammond organ, and the sound is described through the contrasting terms folk and funk. Its influences include Blur, Nick Drake, Turin Brakes, Simon & Garfunkel and The Beatles. Coley performs original songs as well as occasional cover versions.

Songwriting and repertoire

By the time described here, the group has written more than 30 songs. Its set includes originals such as Do What You Feel, Don't Care, A Funk, Wakes Me Up, Rest Tonight and Just Give Me One More Night, alongside a cover of A-ha's Take On Me.

Activity and performances

Coley builds a small following and performs at venues including The Crazy Horse in Stanmore and Jazz After Dark in Soho. The band also has online recordings of Do What You Feel and Just Give Me One More Night.