Insect Guide

Insect Guide

Insect Guide is the Swedish singer Ronny Thorén, born in 1975 and originally from Eskilstuna, Sweden. The act forms in Leeds in late 2005 and is identified with shoegaze, indie and dream pop, with a sound described in terms such as dark and cinematic pop.

Career

Insect Guide consists of Su Sutton and Stan Howells. After two years of activity, the group releases its debut album, 6ft in Love, on Leeds label Dead Penny Records. The album includes a DVD of self-produced videos, which accompany the music and are presented as part of the project’s audio-visual live approach.

The debut attracts positive critical attention and comparisons with The Jesus and Mary Chain, Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine. It is also named UNCUT magazine’s debut of the month. Subba-Cultcha describes it as a distinctive pop album, while Drowned in Sound calls it an intense pop record with a very dark edge.

In January 2008, Insect Guide issues a limited EP containing remixes of two tracks by Sonic Boom, known for work with MGMT, Spacemen 3 and Spectrum. The disc sells out quickly. During the first half of 2008, the group tours heavily in support of both releases and plays with Ulrich Schnauss, Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Maps. It also undertakes a short tour of the United States in March, followed by performances in Norway and Poland.

Media and later releases

The group’s profile in the UK rises through a cover of Dinosaur Jr.’s Freakscene on Steve Lamacq’s Radio 1 show and in NME. The SONIC BOOM remix of Frozen later reaches a wider audience through Northern Star Records’ Psychedelica Three compilation.

In late 2008, Insect Guide begins gigging and recording with drummer Chris Cooper of The Pale Saints. The resulting material is described as darker, louder and more direct while remaining layered and atmospheric. The group also records a Marc Riley session and releases its second album, Dark Days & Nights, in October 2010.