Sheepy

Sheepy is an alternative indie punk group from Liverpool. It begins as the solo project of Luke Jones, who also uses Sheepy as a performing name, and later becomes a trio with Villy Raze on bass and vocals and Ollie Fontaine on drums and vocals. The group is associated with Blang Records and works across pop punk, rock and ska, with a sound also described through indie pop, guitar pop and lo-fi punk influences.

Formation and line-up

Luke Jones writes and records the material for Sheepy, and the project starts as a bedroom recording outlet before becoming a full band. The line-up settles as a three-piece with Jones on vocals and guitar, Raze on bass and vocals, and Fontaine on drums and vocals.

Recordings and releases

Jones records a large back catalogue at home before the project begins its formal releases. The early release sequence includes the Predator EP, followed by the singles Glum and Another Day. A self-titled debut album is then issued on Blang Records, and the first single from it is These Clothes. Other song titles mentioned in connection with the early catalogue include Bobble Hat Girl, My Friends, Don’t Know Much, One Cup Of Coffee and Bread And Noodles.

Activity and touring

The group plays across the UK and Ireland and tours Europe with Vamos in 2012 and 2013. Its music also receives airplay on BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music and XFM, and appears on television through Soccer AM.

Style and reception

Sheepy is described as writing melodic pop-punk songs with a cynical or awkward edge in the lyrics, alongside distorted guitars and strong hooks. The music is compared with acts such as The Replacements, Super Furry Animals, Pixies, Squeeze, The Undertones, Nirvana, Teenage Fanclub and the Kinks. Commentary on the songs often highlights their simple instrumentation, catchy choruses and bedroom-recorded lo-fi character.

Additional notes

Before Sheepy begins releasing music as a band, Luke Jones records a substantial number of albums on his own at home over several years. The project is later picked up by Blang Records after that period of self-produced recording.