Lo Fidelity Allstars

Lo Fidelity Allstars

Lo Fidelity Allstars are an electronic and alternative group formed in 1996 and based in London, United Kingdom. The group’s members are Andy Dickinson, Johnny Machin, Sheriff John Stone, Phil Ward and Martin Whiteman. Their work is associated with big beat, breakbeat, trip-hop and electronica, and they are known for a genre-crossing approach that combines distorted and sometimes alien-sounding lyrics, prominent funk bass lines and extensive use of lo-fi recording techniques.

Early lineup and formation

At formation, the band includes Dave Randall on vocals, Phil Ward on vocals and sampler, Andy Dickson on vocals and bass, John Machin on drums, John Stone on keyboards and Martin Whiteman on engineering. Randall and Stone leave after the release of How To Operate With A Blown Mind, and Dale Maloney replaces Stone on keyboards. After that, Phil Ward takes over as singer, while Johnny, Andy and Martin also share vocal duties at different points.

Albums and style

The debut album How To Operate With A Blown Mind, released on Skint Records, is the clearest example of the band’s early sound. It is marked by heavy use of distortion, unusual lyrics and prominent bass-driven grooves. Their second album, Don't Be Afraid of Love (2002), moves through several styles while remaining strongly rooted in funk.

Guest vocals and side project work

Lo Fidelity Allstars work with guest vocalists including Greg Dulli, Jamie Lidell and Bootsy Collins. One track, Southside Lowdown, features Greg Dulli. The group also records and performs live under the name Technically Men. Phil Ward also presents a weekly radio show on Wireless FM, broadcasting on Tuesdays from 10pm to midnight, UK time.

Later recording activity

The group’s third studio album is Northern Stomp, which includes the tracks Northern Stomp, Smash and Grab World and Southside Lowdown. The band’s later material keeps a distinctive sound, though with less vocal distortion than the earliest releases.