The Contrast

The Contrast

The Contrast is a British power pop band from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, active since 1999. David Reid forms the group and writes and sings the songs, with the band also known for operating under a series of line-up changes, name changes, management problems and periods of major label interest.

Formation and early releases

Reid starts the band with the aim of writing strong pop songs. Jim McGarry at Rainbow Quartz takes interest in the group the following year, and the band signs to the label in spring 2000. Their debut album, Mystery#1, is recorded as a three-piece with Andy Hawkins at the mixing desk.

In 2002 the band releases Wireless Days. By then The Contrast is a four-piece featuring David Reid on vocals and guitar, James Crossley on drums, Richard “Angus” Mackman on bass, and Spencer Hart on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. The same line-up goes on to record Fade Back In.

Line-up changes and later albums

After Wireless Days, Crossley and Hart leave to pursue other projects. Reid then brings in longtime collaborator Andy Hawkins on drums while a permanent replacement is sought, with Mackman returning on bass and Matthew Zilch on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. That line-up records Forget to Tell the Time.

Since 2006 the group line-up features Reid, Mackman, Kieran Wade on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, and Thorin “Fozzy” Dixon on drums. In 2007 the band releases Underground Ghosts on Rainbow Quartz, followed later in the year by Perfect Disguise: Introducing The Contrast on Little Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records. That release is a compilation of earlier Underground Garage radio-show favourites and new or unreleased tracks.

Radio support and recognition

Since Wireless Days, the band’s music receives regular play on Little Steven’s Underground Garage radio show. Little Steven also describes The Contrast on air as one of the best bands he has heard and invites them to play the Underground Garage Festival on Randall’s Island in 2004.

The Contrast releases six albums in total and remains active as a UK power pop group from Peterborough.