Jumping Ships

Jumping Ships

Jumping Ships are a Brighton-based alt rock quartet active since 2008. Their music is associated with indie rock and melodic punk-influenced alt rock, and the group describes itself as drawing on a range of musical backgrounds rather than fitting neatly into one genre.

Formation and early releases

The band forms in Brighton and begins writing, recording and self-producing a two-track single called Liberty Row soon after forming. That release attracts attention from BBC Introducing presenters Tom Robinson and Steve Lamacq, both of whom playlist the track. It also leads to an offer from Brighton Electric Studios to record a debut album.

Albums and singles

The band’s debut album is Orientation, which is in final mixing stages in the available information. Jumping Ships also release a limited-edition single, The Bad Outweighed The Good, and promote it with a month-long UK tour. The single brings endorsements from Hi-Watt, Ernie Ball and Jim Dunlop. Some copies are retained, and one is included within the edition.

Live activity and recognition

Jumping Ships tour the UK three times and play shows associated with The Great Escape, BBC Introducing, Club NME, Leftfield Glastonbury and Rock Against Racism. They also support Biffy Clyro, Bombay Bicycle Club, Flood of Red, General Fiasco and The Most Serene Republic. Festival appearances include White Air Festival and Southsea Festival.

The band is the first unsigned act to headline Club NME, and it is regularly featured in NME magazine, including Pick of the Week, Featured Gigs and an interview in the unsigned section. It also receives coverage from BBC Introducing, The Guardian, Entertainment Focus, ITV/NME and several music magazines and review sites.

Reception

Coverage describes the band in terms of energetic live performance, layered melodies, strong vocals and a distinctive sound. One review notes that the group avoids being pigeonholed into a single genre, and another points to the pace and conviction of its live shows.