Humanfly

Humanfly are a sludge group from Leeds, United Kingdom, active from 2000 to 2013. They form after the split of Canvas, the earlier band of brothers John Sutcliffe and Andy Sutcliffe. The line-up is completed by bassist Mat Dale, previously of J*R, and drummer Dave Jones.

Early years and first releases

The band spends its first year developing material in a Leeds rehearsal room before beginning live shows in late 2001. Its first release is a split 7-inch with fellow Leeds band Kill Yourself in 2003, followed by the debut album A God Among Insects in 2004. That record appears on Calculated Risk Products, the label run by Martin Ives.

Changing style and later records

By 2005, Humanfly move away from shorter, faster songs and start writing longer pieces. They record the album II with Ben Gardener, release it themselves, and later issue it internationally through 20 Buck Spin in Olympia, Washington. The band then releases a split 12-inch with Queen of Swords on Eyes of Sound, the London label run by Ryan. During this period they also contribute tracks to a number of compilations and samplers.

Touring and live work

Humanfly tour the UK and Europe several times and headline Mareira Fest in Spain. They also record a live session at BBC Maida Vale Studios for the Radio 1 Rock Show, which is broadcast in January 2011.

Final albums

The band’s third album, Darker Later, is released by Brew Records after they ask the Leeds label to put it out. It contains six songs, including Heavy Black Snow, which features vocals by Rose Kemp. Their fourth album, Awesome Science, follows in 2013 on Brew Records as a limited double gatefold vinyl edition, CD and digital download. It is recorded at Cottage Road Studios in Leeds with Andy Hawkins in March 2012, after initial demos with Ben Gardener at the band’s rehearsal space. The album is recorded live with all four members in the same room, with vocals added afterwards.

Line-up

John Sutcliffe plays guitar and vocals, Andy Sutcliffe plays guitar, Mat Dale plays bass guitar, and David Jones plays drums.