The Cuckoo Clocks

The Cuckoo Clocks

The Cuckoo Clocks are a Sheffield group formed around Paul Infanti, previously of Treebound Story, and DJ/producer Sophie Toes. The line-up develops into a six-piece and the band is associated with Sheffield’s music scene.

Style and influences

The band plays a blend of pastoral, melody-led indie pop and art-rock with eccentric, clockwork-themed imagery. Their sound is described through comparisons with the Velvet Underground, Simon & Garfunkel, Television and Fun Boy Three, and they are also linked to a softly surreal, slightly off-kilter visual style.

Activity and releases

The Cuckoo Clocks perform a debut show at Sheffield’s Club 60 and later organise their own vaudeville cabaret event at the Lantern Theatre in Sheffield. They sign to The Preservation Society Presents, and their debut EP is issued on limited CD and download in 2010 to coincide with a live performance at The Half Moon in Herne Hill, London.

Members and presentation

The group’s presentation uses character-like roles and imagery, including figures such as the Mellow Mystic, the Golden Lady, the Strong Arm of the pendulum, the Soothsayer Mystic, the queen of the mallets and the keeper of the keys. This theatrical approach frames the band’s songwriting and live performances.