The Hours

The Hours

The Hours are a UK rock and indie group formed in London in 2004. The line-up is Antony Genn and Peter Wilkinson. The band’s early membership includes Martin Slattery, who appears alongside Genn in the group’s formation, and the act remains active.

Background and members

Antony Genn has previously played with Elastica and Pulp, and works as a producer, including producing sessions for the electronic act UNKLE. Martin Slattery is a pianist and keyboard player who previously tours with Shaun Ryder’s group Black Grape. Genn and Slattery also work with Joe Strummer as part of The Mescaleros.

Management and artwork

The band is managed by Jeanette Lee, who runs Rough Trade with Geoff Travis and former Pulp bassist Steve Mackey. Its artwork, including a skull image, is created by British artist Damien Hirst for his For The Love Of God collection.

Recordings and reception

The Hours release their first album, Narcissus Road, in 2007. The album leads to singles including “Ali in the Jungle” and “Back When You Were Good”. Their second album, See the Light, follows, preceded by the single “Big Black Hole”.

Media use and live appearances

“Ali in the Jungle” appears in EA Sports FIFA 08, and Nike later uses the song in its “The Human Chain” commercial during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. “People Say” is used twice in the opening scenes of the British soap opera Hollyoaks. The band also receives support from Radio One DJ Zane Lowe and Jarvis Cocker, and in 2009 supports Kasabian as well as U2 on the 360 Tour, including shows in Zagreb, Glasgow, London’s Wembley Stadium and Cardiff Millennium Stadium.