The Longcut

The Longcut are an indie rock and post-rock group from Manchester, United Kingdom, active since 2002. They form at the University of Manchester and begin as a four-piece, but their vocalist leaves soon after the group starts, after which the remaining members aim to make instrumental music.

Early sound and live setup

In 2003, the group begins experimenting with cheap drum machines, which helps shape a new sound and leads to an unusual live arrangement. Stuart Ogilvie, the original drummer, alternates between live percussion and vocals in performance. Their original sound and energetic live shows bring them to the attention of the record industry in 2004.

Recordings and releases

The Longcut sign to Liverpool label Deltasonic in 2004. Their debut EP, Transition, appears in November 2004, followed by A Quiet Life in June 2005. Both EPs sell out and receive positive coverage in the music press. The band continues touring through 2005.

Their debut album, A Call And Response, is produced by Jonny Dollar, who has previously worked on Massive Attack’s Blue Lines, and mixed by David Andrew Sitek of TV on the Radio. A mini-album compiling their UK EPs is released internationally in 2006. A Call And Response is released in 2006, with “Vitamin C” as a lead promotional single. “A Tried and Tested Method” follows and receives significant media attention, with its video receiving frequent airplay on UK music channels.

After that, the band releases The Airtight Sessions EP, a live session recording that includes new song “Idiot Check”. It is available for a time as a free download for subscribers to the band’s official site. In 2007, the group releases a limited 7-inch single and download on Manchester label Melodic, limited to 500 copies, pairing “Idiot Check” with a cover of the Candy Staton / Source track “You Got the Love”.

Touring and connections

The Longcut tour extensively in 2005, including appearances at SXSW, Glastonbury Festival and Fuji Rock Festival. During 2004 they become friendly with Manchester promoters Akoustik Anarhkry and the indie/grunge band Nine Black Alps. The two groups share bills at house parties, including one in Longsight that is filmed for the video for “Transition”, and they later tour together in early 2006.

Later activity

The group’s second album, Open Hearts, is planned for release in 2009.