Subcircus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Subcircus is a progressive Britpop band from London.

After Whitby's nail varnished Peter Bradley (singer and leader), otherwise known as PB Jnr, became disillusioned with the pretty-boy pop direction in which his major label solo deal was dragging him he formed Subcircus in late 1994. The rest of the band was made up of Nikolaj Bloch (guitar) who Bradley found through an advert in Melody Maker, the latter's drumming friend and Danish compatriot Tommas Arnby and George Brown (bass) who chose Subcircus' rock and dole over his violinist's gig in the orchestra pit of "Peter Pan : The Musical". A move to London was then imminent.

Their first concert was in York, England, in 1995, where they appeared wearing makeup and wacky outfits. By May, 1996, Subcircus had played more than 150 shows throughout the UK, headlining two club tours and opening for Echo and the Bunnymen, Suede, Elvis Costello, Grant Lee Buffalo, and Ocean Colour Scene, among others.

Their debut Carousel was recorded in London at Air Studios and at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios in Bath, England. It was issued in the UK by the independent Echo label in 1996 and the album drew critical raves from the UK press. It should be noted that the band had not released any singles at this point, this is because they took a different approach from normal industry practice by promoting the album with singles after its release. Through 1997 the band released the singles 86'd and U Love U and later in the year 86'd was re-released along with the album which featured a new track sequence.

Subcircus was quiet for over two years and reappeared in 1999 with the single Do You Feel Loved. This was followed by support slots for label mates Feeder in October. In 2000, on Valentine's Day, the band issued a new single, "Sixty Second Love Affair". In March, their second full-length album, Are You Receiving? was released to lukewarm reviews.