The Dykeenies

The Dykeenies are a Scottish indie rock and art pop group from Cumbernauld, near Glasgow, in the United Kingdom. They form in 2005 and are active from then onward. The line-up consists of brothers Brian Henderson, who performs vocals and synths, and Andrew Henderson, who plays bass, alongside childhood friends Steven Ramsay on guitar and John Kerr on drums. The group originally has five members, but Alan Henderson, who plays guitar, leaves in December 2008.

Early formation and name

The band takes its name from the race of creatures in the film Willow. Their early years centre on the Cumbernauld scene, and they begin playing in summer 2005.

Live activity and support slots

After forming, The Dykeenies play a number of sold-out shows in Scotland. They also support Maxïmo Park, The Fratellis and Mystery Jets. A key early appearance comes at Glasgow’s King Tut’s, where they play the “Your Sound” night for unsigned acts.

Recordings and releases

The Dykeenies become the first act signed to King Tuts’ Recordings, a label set up to issue one-off singles by new bands and attract wider label interest. Their double A-side single “New Ideas/Will It Happen Tonight” appears in July 2006 and brings them wider attention. The release gains radio play on XFM Scotland and London, and receives support from Steve Lamacq, who invites the band for a live session.

Their debut EP, Waiting For Go, appears on Lavolta Records. It includes the lead track “Waiting For Go” along with “Things You Cannot See”, “Feels Like Sleep” and “Dark Time”. Jim Abbiss produces the track “Waiting For Go”, and Cenzo Townshend mixes the EP. The band later releases “New Ideas” in April 2007, which reaches number 54 in the UK singles chart and number 2 in Scotland. They also release “Clean Up Your Eyes”, and plan the album Nothing Means Everything for September 2007.

Recognition and touring

The Dykeenies receive coverage in the Scottish press and are championed by NME’s New Music editor after an early demo. That support leads to a place on the NME Rock ’n Roll Riot tour with The Horrors, The Maccabees and The Fratellis. They also complete two UK tours.

Style and associated acts

The band is described through a sound combining angular punk-pop melodies, spiky indie pop and eighties-influenced elements, with an emphasis on strong choruses. Their associated names include Maxïmo Park, The Fratellis, Mystery Jets, The Horrors and The Maccabees through live support and touring.