Ex-Lovers

Ex-Lovers

Ex-Lovers are an indie pop group from London, United Kingdom, active since 2008. They form through mutual friends and begin performing soon after coming together in early 2008.

Sound and influences

Their early material has a quiet, folk-influenced character, with songs including “The Ruins” and “S.O.F”, both previously written by Peter. The group draws on early 1990s American and British indie influences, including The Cure, Teenage Fan Club, My Bloody Valentine and Elliott Smith. Their songs combine sombre lyrics, lo-fi guitars, developing boy-girl harmonies and restrained instrumental discord.

Performances and releases

Ex-Lovers tour the UK with Golden Silvers, Emmy the Great and Pete and the Pirates. They also support Pete Doherty on the 2009 NME Awards Tour, which leads to interest from producer Stephen Street, known for his work with Blur, The Smiths and Pete Doherty.

The group releases limited-edition 7-inch singles including “Just a Silhouette” on Chess Club and the double A-side “Photobooth/Weightless” on Young & Lost Club. Both singles receive wide praise and become regular plays on XFM, BBC Radio 1 and 6Music. Street then produces their five-track EP You Forget So Easily, issued through Chess Club Records. The band also has plans for tours in France with Peter Bjorn and John and a co-headline UK tour with Kurran and the Wolfnotes.