Spector

Inspired by the early-2000s garage rock of the Strokes, the new romantic sounds of Roxy Music, and the anthemic indie pop of the Killers, sharp-suited London five-piece Spector were hailed as one of the flagging U.K. guitar band scene's last big hopes when they emerged on the scene in 2011. Formed by ex-MTV presenter Fred Macpherson, who'd previously fronted indie also-rans Les Incompetents and proggy doom merchants Ox. Eagle. Lion. Man., and guitarist Christopher Burman, who had also appeared in the former, the band was later joined by bassist Thomas Shickle, keyboardist Jed Cullen, and drummer Danny Blandy, and after honing its sound at an East London snooker club, began performing across the capital's live circuit. Initially named Spectre, after the terrorist organization in the James Bond films, they decided to change the spelling in honor of the maverick producer after discovering their original moniker had already been taken. After releasing their debut single, Never Fade Away, they signed a deal with Fiction Records and went on to appear on the Introducing Stage at the Reading/Leeds Festival, support Kaiser Chiefs on their U.K. tour, and receive their first mainstream exposure on Later...with Jools Holland. In 2012, they were short-listed for the prestigious BBC Sound Of... poll, toured with Florence + the Machine, and recorded their debut album, scheduled for release later in the year. ~ Jon O'Brien, Rovi