Primitive Instinct

Primitive Instinct

Primitive Instinct, also known as PI, are a progressive and classic rock band from Maidstone, Kent, England. The band forms in 1987, led by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Nick Sheridan, who remains its frontman. Their music is often described as combining elements associated with Marillion and Pink Floyd, while the band develops a distinct sound of its own. The verified genre tag identifies Primitive Instinct as a drum and bass artist, but the biographical details describe the act as a progressive rock band.

Formation and early years

The original line-up consists of Nick Sheridan on guitar and vocals, Andy Quinnell on keyboards, Billy Geddes on bass, Nick Brown on guitar and Richard Culham on drums. In their early years the band plays frequently across south-east England, then elsewhere in Great Britain and abroad, building a fan base through live work.

During this period they release four cassette-only fan albums: A Primitive Instinct, Once Round Your Ear, On A Rainy Night and Into The Ocean.

Line-up changes

In the early 1990s, bassist Pic Hayes joins and becomes, with Sheridan, one of the band’s core members. Nick Brown leaves around the same time. Richard Culham is replaced by Chris Brown on drums in 1995. Andy Quinnell later leaves to pursue a career in banking, and the group continues as a trio for a period. In 2006, Chris Brown leaves to emigrate to the USA. Sheridan and Hayes are then joined by long-term fan Stuart Bailey on drums. By 2012, the line-up includes Graham McGarrick on drums and Jonathan Vincent on keyboards alongside Sheridan and Hayes.

Recordings and releases

Primitive Instinct sign to Cyclops Records in 1994 and release their first CD album, Floating Tangibility. The album receives strong critical response and sells several thousand copies with little promotion. To meet demand for new material, the band issues Ice For Eskimos in 1998, a collection of early demos. In 2000 they release Belief, which becomes a benchmark for later work and receives wide critical acclaim. The band later repackages and reissues Belief. They also record a new studio album in 2012.

Live work and reception

Through the 1990s and early 2000s, the band supports acts including IQ, Pendragon and John Wetton, and Wetton is impressed by their live performance. They also play with Wishbone Ash, The Yardbirds, Stray and Karnataka. A period of extensive touring follows the release of Belief, with dates across the UK and Europe.

Position in the scene

Primitive Instinct describe themselves as one of the leading “nu prog” bands in the United Kingdom. By 2007 they mark 20 years as a band and are described as one of the country’s longest-running unsigned acts. They plan a special show in Maidstone for their 25th anniversary in 2012.