The Early Years (band)

The Early Years are an English band from East London consisting of members David Malkinson (Vox/Guitars), Roger Mackin (Guitars), Brendan Kersey (Bass) and Phil Raines (Drums).

Biography

The band formed in 2004, initially influenced by a mutual love of the German Krautrock groups that began emerging in the late 60's and other shared influences encompassing elements of noise, repetition, sonics and song which became key elements in The Early Years sound.

The band were initially championed by Radio 1 DJs Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens and XFM's John Kennedy, with the demo of All Ones and Zeros getting to number six in Radio 1's Festive 50 end of year review in 2005. The subsequent radio play brought them to the attention of independent label Beggars Banquet Records. After signing a three album deal in late 2005 The Early Years released three E.P's and their self-titled debut album, all to widespread critical acclaim. They have also released two singles and a digital download only E.P. on independent label Sonic Cathedral.

Following the debut album release in 2006, the band embarked on numerous UK tours including many festival appearances including Latitude, Bestival, Truck, Standon Calling. They recorded various live sessions for Radio 1 and XFM, won fans in Brian Eno and Can vocalist Damo Suzuki (who personally invited them to perform as his backing band for a one-off improvised show at Sonic Cathedral in Dec 2006) and toured Europe and the States with awe-inspiring performances in New York and the South By Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.

After a self-imposed hiatus put the band on hold in 2008, the band resurfaced in 2011 with a new single 'Complicity/Fallen Star' on Sonic Cathedral and a sell-out reunion show in London's Old Street. Marc Riley invited the band to record a live session for BBC 6Music in January 2012. Paul Weller - on hearing the bands latest disc - asked them to remix tracks from his new kraut-infused album 'Sonik Kicks' and later in 2012 the band were invited to perform at the inaugural Festival Number 6 in Portmerion, North Wales.

In 2014 they performed at the Liverpool International Festival of Psychedelia and the 100 Club in London, releasing a limited edition of 100 cassettes of the 100 club show.

Discography

Album

The Early Years - Debut Album
Beggars Banquet Records Ltd.
Released: 25/09/06 (U.K.)
Format: LP / CD
1: All Ones And Zeros
2: Things
3: The Simple Solution
4: Brown Hearts
5: Song For Elizabeth
6: Musik Der Fruhen Jahre
7: So Far Gone
8: High Times And Low Lives
9: Harmonic Interlude
10: This Ain’t Happiness

Single/EP

All Ones And Zeros E.P.
Beggars Banquet Records Ltd.
Released: 16/01/06
UK Chart: #112 Format: 7” Vinyl / CD
1: All Ones And Zeros
2: A Little More
3: I Heard Voices

So Far Gone E.P.
Beggars Banquet Records Ltd.
Released: 26/06/06
UK Chart: #179 Format: 7” Vinyl / CD
1: So Far Gone
2: Rats
3: So Far Gone (Part II)

The Great Awakening E.P.
Beggars Banquet Records Ltd.
Released: 19/02/07
Format: 12” Vinyl / CD
1: Say What I Want To
2: On Fire
3: Autumn Song
4: A Little More (Version II)

Like a Suicide // The Computer Voice - Single
Sonic Cathedral
Released: 21/07/08
Format: 7” Vinyl
A: Like a Suicide
AA: The Computer Voice

Complicity // Fallen Star - Single
Sonic Cathedral
Released: 7/11/11
Format: 7” Vinyl
A: Complicity
AA: Fallen Star

Memory Case E.P.
Sonic Cathedral
Released: 4/11/11
Format: Digital Download
1: Complicity
2: Fallen Star
3: Like A Suicide
4: The Computer Voice

Live / The 100 Club
Sonic Cathedral
Released: 29/11/14
Format: Limited Edition Cassette
1: Drones
2: All Ones And Zeros
3: So Far Gone
4: DMX (No Way Out)
5. Hush
6: The Computer Voice
7: High Times And Low Lives
8: Get On Board
9: The Simple Solution