Jets to Zurich

Jets to Zurich are a Welsh Alternative rock band. They have been active since 2009. In that time they have released 3 singles, 3 EP's and 1 album. They are currently unsigned in the United Kingdom but have a deal with Middle East based label Rickie Rocks Records for releases in that region.^[1][2][3]

History

The band were formed by lifelong friends singer/guitarist Dale Hawkins and drummer Shea Jones in the Autumn of 2008, originally a three piece with the addition of Dale's brother bassist Simon Hawkins, the band spent the first year of the existence playing locally in the South Wales area while they honed their craft and gathered material. Their first release was the self produced 3 track EP titled 'An Everyday Motion' with its low budget production and basic sound it was greeted with a mixed response upon its release in January 2009.

Over the next 6 months the band continued to gig extensively while writing what would become their first full-length release. In which time they supported bands such as Sucioperro, Exit International and Henry's Funeral Shoe. Their next release was a collection of demos released in June 2010, titled 'Atmospheric Sound Cycles' it was seen as a sign of further progression for the three piece and was greeted with a better response than previous releases generally it was seen as an improvement but criticism was found. In reviews on indie magazines like Cardiff's Miniature Music Press the feedback was mixed.^[4]

In mid-2010 the band recorded with producer Gethin Pearson on what would become the band's first two official singles titled 'Crimson Tide' and 'The Downward Spiral'. Both singles were released through indie label Catalyst Records to critical praise It was during this time that the band began to enjoy unexpected success in the Middle Eastern country of Qatar, with debut single 'Crimson Tide' peaking at number 4 on the QBS Alternative Rock Top 40 in December 2010.^[5]

With the start of 2011 the band had now become a four piece with the addition of guitarist James Carey. In June 2011 the band's second single 'The Downward Spiral' became the band's first number one single in the Middle East on the QBS Chart.^[6] On the back of this the band received media attention from South Wales papers like the South Wales Echo, and other local papers and magazines.^[1]

Throughout the rest of the year the band began work on what will become their second album and supported bands like Johnny Foreigner, Lafaro, and My Red Cell. After the band parted ways with label Catalyst Records they released the first single from their second album, titled 'Pyramids' the track is currently number 3 (as of 12/12/11) on the QBS chart and a special 'Pyramids' EP soon followed in late 2011. On 20 February 2012 'Pyramids' became the band's second number one in Qatar in the process becoming the only Welsh band to achieve two number ones on the chart.^[7]

Most recently the band released the single 'Vertigo Red' via Tone Burn Records in the UK and Rickie Rocks Records in the Middle East, the single peaked at number 15 on the QBS Alternative Top 40.^[8] Their next release will be an as yet untitled EP due for release in September.^[9]

Burning Sky and the Reflections of Time

On 22 October, shortly after supporting Nine Black Alps, the band released their brand new double EP set 'Burning Sky and the Reflections of Time' consisting of 12 tracks in total the double set was released via the Bandcamp site.^[10]

The band around the same time released the radio single 'Galvanise' which peaked at number 18 on the QBS Alternative Rock Chart in Qatar.^[11]

Following this the band played a few shows before releasing the compilation album 'Fierce Independent' in April 2013. A collection of releases the band had made up to that point including singles and EP tracks.^[12]

Harmonics, Delorean and Present

After a quiet period seemingly to finish their album, Jets to Zurich returned in July 2013 with a free download to introduce their new album, the track titled 'Check Point Break' also peaked at number 26 on the QBS Alternative Rock Chart in Qatar.^[13] Following the free download the band have announced that the first 'official' single to be lifted from the album will be the track 'Delorean' scheduled for release on 25 November.^[14]

Released on 25 November, 'Delorean' has been the band's most successful single to date peaking at Number 14 on Amazon's 'Indie & Alternative' bestsellers chart in the UK ^[15] and peaking at Number 24 on the QBS Alternative Rock Chart in Qatar.^[16]

Discography

Albums

• Atmospheric Sound Cycles: Demo Collection (15 June 2010), CD and Digital Download
• Harmonics (2014)

Singles and EPs

• An Everyday Motion - Demo (2009), CD
• Jets to Zurich EP (2009), CD
• Crimson Tide (November 2010), Catalyst Records, Digital Download
• The Downward Spiral (January 2011), Catalyst Records, Digital Download
• Pyramids (13 August 2011), Digital Download
• Vertigo Red (March 2012), Tone Burn Records, CD & Digital Download
• Burning Sky and the Reflections of Time EP (22 October 2012), Tone Burn Records, Digital Download
• Delorean (November 2013), Tone Burn Records, CD & Digital Download

External links

• Official Website
• Jets to Zurich facebook website
• Jets to Zurich shop page

References