The Fanclub

The Fanclub

The Fanclub is a London five-piece group whose line-up includes Josh Todd on vocals and guitars, Lewis Tobia on bass and lyrics, Colin Burstow on drums, Emily Rice on cello and Vic Bernath on violin. Their music is described as electronic and house, and they are associated with the track “Rockers Delight”.

Background

Josh Todd and Lewis Tobia go to the same school and have been friends since the age of four. They begin writing songs together in the last few months of school and then decide to form a band. Todd later describes the early years of the group as slightly mischievous, including an occasion when they get onto a JD Set bill featuring Babyshambles by walking into the venue and pretending to be the support band.

Their first performance takes place at AFC Bournemouth, and Todd says it is a messy show. The band later adds strings to its live line-up, expanding the sound beyond the core rhythm section and vocals.

Recording and releases

The Fanclub work with producer Greg Haver, known for his work with Manic Street Preachers and Super Furry Animals, after a recording session in the Cotswolds. The band says Haver works them hard and that his input is valuable, and they express an interest in working with him again.

Their material includes “Madman” and “Bitter Boys and Graceless Girls”. “Madman” is presented as a debut track, while “Bitter Boys and Graceless Girls” appears in instrumental form and is used in Hollyoaks: The Music Playlist for a scene in which Newt leaves Hollyoaks.

Style and influences

Lewis Tobia cites Morrissey, Richey James Edwards and Nicky Wire among his major influences, and says he treats lyrics as a central part of the music. The band’s writing is described as combining melancholy, drama and emotional weight, with a tendency towards existential themes in the words.

Descriptions of their sound mention contrast between darker tones and a more expansive, soulful quality, alongside strong dynamics and a balance between catchiness and emotional content.