The Futureheads

The Futureheads

The Futureheads are an alternative rock band from Sunderland, United Kingdom, active since 2000. They work within indie rock, new wave, post-punk revival and rock, and their music also uses a cappella elements. The group consists of Barry Hyde, Dave Hyde, Jaff and Ross Millard.

Formation and early line-up

The band forms in Sunderland in 2000, originally rehearsing in Barry Hyde’s garage. The first line-up includes Jaff on bass and vocals, Barry Hyde on guitar and vocals, Ross Millard on guitar and vocals, and Peter Brewis on drums and vocals. Brewis later leaves and is replaced on drums by Dave Hyde, who also sings.

Early releases and touring

After playing numerous local shows, The Futureheads begin touring with support from Slampt Records’ Milky Wimpshake. They tour squats and youth centres across Central Europe in 2001, after which the drummer change takes place. Their early singles include Nul Book Standard, and they also have a short association with Fantastic Plastic.

Albums, label work and later activity

Their self-titled album The Futureheads appears in 2004 on 679 Recordings. In 2005, Hounds Of Love reaches the Top Ten, and they play Glastonbury Festival on Barry Hyde’s birthday. They also appear on Jimmy Kimmel’s US TV show and meet Dennis Hopper. Their second album, News and Tributes, follows in 2006 and reaches number 11 on the album chart.

After parting company with 679 in late 2006, the band sets up its own label, Nul Records, to release its own music. Their third album, This Is Not The World, is released independently in 2008 after being recorded in three weeks with Youth at Space Mountain in Andalusia, Spain. The band describes the record as shaped by defiance, optimism and joy, and it releases free downloads and plays intimate shows in London and Sunderland around that period.