Very Nice Harry

Very Nice Harry

Very Nice Harry is an indie rock band from Didcot, England, formed in 2009. The group’s original lineup comprises Sam McNeill on vocals and guitar, Darryl Richardson on guitar, Mark Grafton on bass and Pete Mercer on drums, although Mercer later leaves the band.

Style and influences

The band plays indie rock with a sound shaped by a mix of influences including The Arctic Monkeys, Foals and Oasis, along with ska rhythms and heavy metal riffs. Their music also draws on math rock and experimental elements, with details such as delay on bass guitar and intertwined guitar parts contributing to the arrangement of their songs.

Early releases and live activity

After building a local following through cover sets in their hometown, the band writes and records its first original material at the end of 2009. A demo of Tragic Tale of a Holiday Romance then gains attention through BBC Radio Berkshire’s Introducing panel, where it scores highly with the judges. In 2010, the band concentrates on the Oxford live circuit, where frequent gigging increases its exposure. During this period it also records new material for a growing setlist, including Olivia Stone and Jabberwocky.

EPs and singles

The band’s debut EP, Sugar Lounge EP, is launched at the Wheatsheaf in Oxford and is distributed at gigs. Tragic Tale of a Holiday Romance is made available on iTunes, and the single #Reformat is also released digitally. Live performances are described as energetic, with the four members playing in a tightly coordinated way.