The British Expeditionary Force

The British Expeditionary Force

The British Expeditionary Force is the project of producer and songwriter Justin Lockey, formed after his band yourcodenameis:milo goes into indefinite hiatus. It begins as a concept release issued through Erased Tapes Records in winter 2007/2008 and is planned as the first part of a three-album cycle. Lockey, who has already released four albums with yourcodenameis:milo, also has production credits including work with Get Cape. Wear Cape Fly and Enter Shikari.

Formation and collaboration

The project features vocals and lyrics from Aid Burrows, formerly of My Architects. Lockey writes and records the music in Newcastle upon Tyne, then sends it to Burrows in Warrington, who adds lyrics and vocals before the material returns for mixing. Robert Raths, founder of Erased Tapes, co-produces and masters the recordings. The two collaborators do not meet during the recording process.

Sound and releases

The British Expeditionary Force combines ethereal soundscapes, guitars, fragile vocals, vocoder parts and careful drum programming with Burrows’ lyrics. The music is described through contrasts between delicate piano-led passages and harder rhythmic sections, and draws comparisons with post-rock, ambient and electronic-influenced work. The live setup expands this into a seven-piece electro-orchestra with twin drummers, piano and synths.

Chapter One includes tracks such as “Throwing Little Stones” and “A Long Way From Home”. It is issued by Erased Tapes, a label known for distinctive packaging and download codes with its LP releases.

Place in Lockey’s career

The project marks a move away from the band format for Lockey and presents him as a songwriter working outside the structure of his previous group. It also reflects a wider range of production work that includes artists such as Get Cape. Wear Cape Fly and Enter Shikari.