Kilto Take

Kilto Take

Kilto Take is a British indie rock group active since 2009. The line-up consists of Jonathan Crosby on guitar and vocals, Karl Grant on bass and Lee Spavins on drums.

Style and background

The band grows out of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire indie scene and plays a style described as indie rock with post-punk and alternative influences. Its sound centres on commanding guitars and tightly controlled percussion, with a distinctly British character. The group’s influences include Radiohead, Gang of Four, The Cure, Depeche Mode and early U2, alongside more modern acts such as Bloc Party, Muse, Editors, Maximo Park, The Joy Formidable and UNKLE.

Formation and early activity

Jonathan Crosby, who leads the group as guitarist and singer, previously played drums and also brings an interest in contemporary sounds. Karl Grant, who had not played bass before joining, contributes a low-end style that avoids conventional bass parts. Lee Spavins began on guitar before moving to drums, giving the rhythm section an unorthodox route into the band. A chance meeting at a local rehearsal studio completes the line-up.

The band develops quickly after forming, attracting label interest and releasing an EP after only a small number of live appearances. Their early momentum and disciplined approach become part of their identity, with the group presenting itself as a compact but forceful indie rock act.