Shopping

Shopping are a post-punk group formed in 2012. The band begins as a three-piece made up of Rachel Aggs on guitar, Billy Easter on bass and Andrew Milk on drums. They are based in East London and are also associated with the wider UK DIY scene. Verified origin information identifies the group as being from the United States.

Style and influences

Their sound centres on propulsive bass lines, primitive disco-not-disco drumming and sharp guitar work. Their music draws on 1970s post-punk and is compared with Gang of Four, The Slits, Delta 5 and ESG. The group is linked with post-punk, crank wave, indie rock and post-brexit new wave.

Members and connections

Aggs, Easter and Milk all have experience in other UK DIY acts, including Trash Kit and Wet Dog. Shopping operate as a trio and come from a network of musicians active in independent British bands.

Releases and activity

Shortly after forming, the band issues a 7-inch single that sells out within a week. Their debut album is self-released on their own MILK Records in the UK, and the initial pressing of 1,000 copies sells through within a few months. They later sign to FatCat for a new album. The group also makes the self-released album available in the United States for the first time.

Live work and recognition

Shopping build a live profile through support slots for ESG, Gang Of Four and Merchandise on the latter’s 2014 UK tour. They are described by NME as a band worth hearing and are named by SPIN as one of its artists to watch.