The Electric Soft Parade

The Electric Soft Parade

The Electric Soft Parade is an indie rock group from Brighton, England, formed by brothers Alex White and Thomas White. The pair begin their career recording lo-fi four-track material under the name Feltro Media and selling it locally before attracting the attention of indie DB in 2001. After signing, they adopt the Electric Soft Parade name and expand the line-up with bassist Matt Thwaites and keyboardist Steve Large.

Early releases and first albums

The group issue the single “Silent to the Dark” in 2001. Their early sound combines Britpop-influenced songwriting with American-style modern rock and psychedelia. Their debut album, Holes in the Wall, follows in early 2002 and is supported by extensive touring. The band also draws some attention in the British music press because of reported tensions between the White brothers.

Line-up changes and later work

The Electric Soft Parade move to BMG for The American Adventure, which is released in the UK in 2003. During this period Steve Large leaves the band and drummer Matthew Priest joins. The group continues touring the following year, sharing bills with Elbow, Starsailor and The Who. They return to the studio for the Human Body EP in 2006, and their third studio album, No Need to Be Down-Hearted, appears the following year.

Hiatus, reunion and later releases

From 2008 to 2010, the band pauses touring and recording. In 2010, they reunite to perform at the Maximalism! charity concert. They release the EP A Quick One in 2011 and their fourth studio album, Idiots, in 2013. That album is produced by Chris Hughes and Mark Frith.