Exlovers
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Exlovers

London, England, United Kingdom | INDIE

London, England, United Kingdom | INDIE
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"Exlovers - Photobooth (Young & Lost)"

Can Exlovers really be friends? Or will there always be that awkward sexual tension and memories of good times gone? Something to consider while you lap up the dreamy joy of 'Photobooth' a Joy Zipper meets Bright Eyes-esque ditty with a sunny tone and cosy warmth. Organically lo-fi and easy going, it's a loved up lullaby, even if the lyrics tell a different story. London duo Exlovers harness the melt-in-the-ear power of girl-boy harmonies to create a smooth, sentimental song. - Artrocker


"Dazed & Approved Music Reviews - Exlovers 'You Forget So Easily' (EP)"

Translated into emoticons, the best indie-pop is made up of two parts sadface, two parts happyface, and one part weepy sadface. London's wonderful Exlovers have this ratio bang-on, their boy-girl harmonies evoking a feeling in the listener that can only really be expressed with about 19 flashing heart symbols. - Dazed & Confused


"Gig - ExLovers"

In the year or so since they first got together, London combo Exlovers have played support sets for the likes of Patrick Wolf and Pete Doherty, winning over enough fans to whisk them towards headline status in their own right. They're the main event tonight at this launch for their double A-side single Photobooth/Weightless (just released on the Young & Lost label). Both tracks neatly sum up Exlovers' charm: guitar-driven tunes that linger, flavoured with bittersweet lyrics and gently danceable rhythms. Songwriter Pete and Laurel's breathy boy/girl harmonies and moody sense of romance take centre stage but Exlovers play live as a fully fledged five-piece, with xylophone adding extra twinkly effects to the mix.

The band are due onstage at 11.30pm as part of the Push club night; DJ sets also come from 1960s-styled popstresses The Pipettes. Expect the Exlovers' set list to feature fresh material, although they haven't firmed up plans for an album yet. While they've drawn comparisons to Belle and Sebastian and Pavement, there's no denying these tunesmiths are forging their own distinctive path and it'll be interesting to hear where they go next. Exlovers beautiful indie pop affair is really just the beginning. - Metro


"FREE DOWNLOAD - Exlovers 'Wicked Game'"

The xx captured our hearts this year with many a subtle echo of this deathless track. Yes, Chris Isaak's wounded rockabilly bad boy schtick is cheesy as hell, but don't tell us you weren't having a little swoon. London lovelies Exlovers have gone one further and smeared their mucky paws all over the original. Good job, too. - NME


"New to the Playlist - Exlovers 'Wicked Game'"

"If you're going to cover a classic, do it properly. This five-pieces brittle take on Chris Isaak induces shivers." - NME


"What's on the NME Stereo? Exlovers - Weightless (Young & Lost)"

Elliott Smith-style lo-fi loveliness and boy-girl harmonies from the London five-piece. - NME


"Exlovers Announce October Tour with Cheeky Cheeky and the Nosebleeds"

Exlovers have been announced as support to Cheeky Cheeky and the Nosebleeds on a 12-date tour of the UK in October. The tour starts in Winchester on 2nd October, and culminates at London's Borderline on 31st October. The dates follow straight on from Exlovers' previously announced 21-date tour with Golden Silvers throughout September.

The band's full list of dates is:

With Golden Silvers:

1 September CAMBRIDGE Portland
2 September BIRMINGHAM Academy
3 September LEICESTER Charlotte
4 September NORTHAMPTON Roadmenders
5 September STOKE Sugarmill
9 September NEWCASTLE Academy
10 September MANCHESTER Roadhouse
11 September HULL The Lamp
13 September MIDDLESBROUGH Arena
14 September CASTLEFORD Xscape
15 September GLASGOW King Tut’s
16 September WOLVERHAMPTON Little Civic
17 September BRIGHTON Freebutt
20 September YORK Fibbers
22 September NOTTINGHAM Bodega Social
23 September BRISTOL Louisiana
24 September HEREFORD The Jailhouse
25 September SHEFFIELD Fuzz Club
27 September IPSWICH The Swan
29 September SOUTHAMPTON Joiners
30 September HERTFORD Marquee
1 October LONDON Water Rats

With Cheeky Cheeky and the Nosebleeds:

2 October WINCHESTER Railway
3 October WELWYN GARDEN CITY The Green Room
4 October BRIGHTON Freebutt
5 October PORTSMOUTH The Fat Fox
6 October HITCHIN Club 85
8 October LEICESTER Charlotte
9 October YORK City Screen Basement
10 October DARLINGTON Inside Out
11 October IPSWICH St Nicholas Centre (BBC Suffolk Introducing)
12 October GLASGOW Captain's Rest
13 October EDINBURGH Wee Red Bar
15 October OXFORD Bullingdon Arms
31 October LONDON Borderline

Exlovers write highly crafted dream-pop with gentle boy-girl vocal melodies. They have wasted no time since forming in London in early 2008, with tours with I Was A Cub Scout and a performance on the Sunrise Stage at Latitude Festival already under their belts. They have also found time to record a four track EP, with three tracks produced by Tim Holmes (Death in Vegas) and one by Sleeping States. The band have made 200 copies in hand-decorated packages, with a photo and note inside each one. - Noize Makes Enemies


"Exlovers"

Exlovers are set to release their 'You Forget So Easily' EP on September 14th on Chess Club. Produced by Stephen Street, it's enveloped in Elliott Smith vocals and wistful lyrics, it's mournfulness blends beautifully with their optimistic pop rattling. - The Fly


"Exlovers 'You Forget So Easily' (Chess Club)"

Reminiscent of Teenage Fanclub but with added girly bits, Exlovers forge ahead with their infectious blend of ever-so sunny indie pop. Yet beware, melancholy lyrics lie beneath many of these glorious melodies. Bittersweet then, but as ever, brilliantly rendered. - The Fly


"THE BAROMETER What's Hot on our Playlist - Exlovers 'You Forget So Easily'"

A slice of pacey acoustic pop from London's Exlovers, up-and-coming indie scenesters with a new EP out. - The Independent


"ONE2SEE"

Pop due Exlovers are hitting Glasgow's King Tut's on September 15. They share singing duties, making every song into a male/female harmony. - The Sun


"A Silvers Lining..."

Two of the hottest young bands to emerge from the capital will be playing the Arena on Middlesbrough's Newport Road tomorrow night.

Tomorrow's support band Exlovers write highly crafted dream-pop with gentle boy-girl vocal melodies, and have wasted no time since forming in London earlier this year.
With a tour with I Was A Cub Scout and a performance on the sunrise stage at Latitude Festival already behind them, Exlovers are now spending September on a mammoth 30-date tour as support to Golden Silvers.
They have also found time to record a four track EP, with three tracks produced by Tim Holmes (Death In Vegas) and one by Sleeping States. The band have made 200 copies in hand-decorated packages, with a photo and note inside each one. If you're lucky, you might be able to get your hands on one tomorrow night. - Newcastle & North East Chronicle


"Exlovers - Fast Song"

Exlovers are set to release their new EP on 8th September 2009, through Chess Club. The 5-track EP was produced by Stephen Street (The Smiths / Blur / Kaiser Chiefs), who approached the band after seeing them supporting Peter Doherty at Shepherds Bush Empire. We are very pleased to be able to offer up a brand new track from the band “Fast Song” for download. - Comfort Comes


"Exlovers - You Forget So Easily (Chess Club Records)"

It was once said to me that at the end of a decade, everyone stops to reminisce and learn lessons before attacking the future with the dawn of the new decade. Therefore, it being 2009, we have a fresh start on the horizon, everyone is caught up with the past. The music industry is overflowing with 1980s tributes, so it is somewhat refreshing to put on a new record and hear something different. The different may not be new, but it still feels fresh. Meet Exlovers, whose sounds could easily define the chilled out Britpop in the mid 90s. Exlovers could easily be the illegitimate love child of Sleeper’s Louise Wener (now an acclaimed author) and Belle and Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch (now a hot shot producer, via a brief spell as a Church caretaker!), with their definitive airy male-female vocal set to a guitar heavy instrument romp.

Exlovers are fronted by Pete (guitar/vocals) and Laurel (vocals/glockenspiel). If press images are to be believed, they could easily be mistaken for a duo. However, Exlovers are actually a 5-strong combo, with the line-up completed by Brooke (drums), Danny (guitar) and Chris (bass). You might notice that as a group they don’t do surnames. Having only been together for a year, they have made phenomenal headway. Last year’s Latitude could be seen as their launch, which they have followed by extensive touring (in support of Golden Silvers, Pete and the Pirates, Emmy The Great). The release of singles “Just A Silhouette” and “Photobooth” have garnered critical acclaim and much needed press attention, but it was a support slot for Pete Doherty that impressed his super producer Stephen Street (also The Smiths and Blur). Immediately he offered the quintet an irresistible collaboration, the result of which is their debut EP You Forget So Easily.

Pete and Laurel’s voices fuse beautifully to give You Forget So Easily a subtle elegance, which is stark in contrast to the current synth wave. The five song strong You Forget So Easily delivers a lush light guitar pop that is anything but forgettable. Chirping “all I wanna do is keep my head inside the cloud” on the iridescent “Incomplete”, it is inevitable that Exlovers won’t just reach for the clouds, they will ride them. The simplistic sound is instantly heart warming, but Exlovers are not one level. Melancholic “The Moon Has Spoken” demonstrates a wistful nature, whilst sun bursting “Just A Silhouette”.

Exlovers may be shy about their origins and identities, but their influences are as clear as crystal. As a child of the 80s, my musical tastes fully developed at the height of the 90s, therefore, I have a bias towards anything in the slightest Sleeper-esque. This may skew my judgement, but all I can say is bring back Britpop and let the Exlovers reign supreme! - Zap! Bang! Magazine


"Exlovers - You Forget So Easily"

The latest 5 track EP from Exlovers - an indie / pop / alternative band who serve up a dreamy pop laced with boy-girl vocals that has a laid back 1960's San Francisco retro flower power feel.

The set was recorded with Stephen Street (Smiths, Blur, Pete Doherty) who approached the band after seeing them support Doherty at an NME Awards show.

The band continues to deliver their trademark boy-girl harmonies laced gentle acoustic based indie-pop. It makes a pleasant change from the 'shouty' post punk indie genre. With their dreamy musings, there's yet again a distinct Lennon / Beatles connection - in particular on New Years Day and The Moon Has Spoken. - Get Ready To Rock


"New Noize Makers Interview - Backstage with... Exlovers"

Sweet is the escape from the city’s turbulent Friday night traffic jam, as Exlovers gingerly take on the stage at The Lexington. It is immediate harmony between vocals, guitars, drums and bass, which meet to create a dreamy soundscape. “Some people have said our songs sound a bit like a Tim Burton movie soundtrack” explains front man Pete as I talk to him before the gig.

This a very exciting time for the band, who got together only over a year ago. Exlovers are now preparing to perform in several venues around the UK as well as playing at the V Festival in Chelmsford and at InRock in France: “We are very much looking forward to the experience of playing abroad. It will be the first time for us and we hope that the French crowd will like our sound”. Indeed, if they are to be received as they have been by the benevolent and lovely people at The Lexington, who not only showed up in a good number, but also seemed very involved throughout the gig, then they will definitely enjoy the festival experience.

And there is more excitement to look forward to; as the five men group are to release their first EP, You forget so easily, in September “we are putting this out ourselves. We haven’t been signed yet, but we have been in touch with some labels”. Pete is careful and doesn’t reveal the name of the labels as nothing is concrete yet, though I would not be surprised if we see these guys get a record deal in the very near future.

You forget so easily comes across as a sonic melange of mellifluous and ethereal melodies; which, hopefully to the EP’s own advantage, distinguishes and almost alienates it from the more fashionable 80’s glittery pop dictated by the current sonic vogue. “We are more influenced by the 90’s music scene, we listen to bands like Nirvana a lot” says Pete “we do not really have a preconceived plan, as to what our songs should sound like. When I write a song I take it to the band, we rehearse it and try different things with it, until we find a sound that we like”.

As I ask him to associate their sound to a particular dish, he laughs and after a pensive moment he replies: “funny you ask that question, I have a friend who also tells me that music is like food and that different songs can inspire different types of food and vice versa. Well to give you an answer... at this particular time, I would say apple crumble. Maybe because I like desserts”. It is a good answer, because apple crumble is sweet, though not too elaborated, is usually served warm and its warmth adds to the flavour. This is exactly how I would describe Exlover’s music: sweet, not too polished and warmly involving. - Noize Makes Enemies


"Review: Exlovers - You Forget So Easily (EP)"

Exlovers may already be your new darlings. Having supported ev-er-y-one in their short existence (Pete Doherty, Golden Silvers, Emmy The Great etc) you've probably already heard their wistful melodies drifting toward you at the bar and found yourself looking them up as soon as you got home. What you will have found is that they are London based five piece who have wasted no time in getting themselves out there. First single, released on Young and Lost, was championed by Steve Lamacq - who scientists have proven actually invented indie - and they impressed Stephen Street enough to come in and produce this, their first EP, which is a brief stepping stone to the album that is already well under way.

An impressive work ethic then but is the music any good? Yes, it is. Influences are pinned to their sleeves for all to see but so what? It's early days and that is only natural. What counts is how well they execute their own take on these well worn paths and with title track 'You Forget So Easily' you get the boy girl harmonies and upbeat tempo that can't help bring to mind a couple of Scottish bands. But like I say, that's fine because it is done with honesty and it stands up on its own as a fine tune.

'New Years Day' gets all acoustic, slowing things to a head down, sleeve picking pace and again the watermarks of other artists are apparent but it's still a useful little tune. 'Just a Silhouette' picks things up again but the maudlin spirit still haunts the more upbeat drums and bass.

So on to the most outstanding song on the EP - 'Incomplete', which actually went straight onto my Ipod, and that rarely happens. It's a dance floor filler for people who aren't au fait with dancing. A fast paced beat and uplifting guitars jump eagerly between cymbal crashes making you forget that the lyrics are still not exactly confirming that everything is all right with the world. It works brilliantly and is reason enough to buy 'You Forget So Easily' even if the other tracks weren't as good as they are.

Final song 'The Moon Has Spoken' is Strawberry Fields territory and whilst nicely dreamy is hard to concentrate on with the heartbeat still going a mile a minute after the previous tune.

What we have then is a fine EP from a band who are hurtling head long into the spotlight. I wouldn't advise getting in touch with Exlovers usually but in this case I will make an exception. So get in touch with them and buy their EP. - Altsounds


"In the Post #19: Exlovers - You Forget So Easily"

We’re big fans, and alas, have wrote quite a bit about exlovers here at TGTF. We had a chat with the band back in January, and even brought you the quintet’s on-the-road escapades via their tour diary (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4). So, we were unsurprisingly excited this week when the band’s debut EP, You Forget So Easily, plopped through the letterbox. Produced by the demigod that is Stephen Street (Blur, The Smiths), You Forget So Easily certainly looks set to propel exlovers that little more into the musical limelight.

The EP kicks off with title-track, ‘You Forget So Easily’, the intro of which sounds a tincey wincey bit like The Cure’s ‘Inbetween Days’. A sugary sweet song on the whole – ‘You Forget So Easily’ gallops along nicely with it’s boy-girl harmonies and speedy, upbeat acoustic rhythms. The pace is brought down a little, however, with track two, ‘New Years Day’ – a delicate number laden with beautifully fragile vocals.

‘Just A Silhouette’, the third track on the EP, is fan-pop-tastic. Chirpy and fun, the song is stiched together nicely by it’s tumbling indie guitars. Meanwhile, track four, ‘Incomplete’, notches the pace up to a whole new level. The song’s speedy tempo is a breath of fresh air amid the tamely-kept EP. The racing riffs, penetrating bass and brash drums are complimented nicely by the cute vocals layered prettily over the top.

The EP is ultimately wound down to a slower pace, however, with ‘The Moon Has Spoken’. Gentle vocals are sung over a folky-vibe acoustic, while exlovers showcase their beautiful hum-ing work midway through the song. A nice little track, ‘The Moon Has Spoken’ ends the entirely enjoyable ‘You Forget So Easily’ on an aptly dreamy note.

You Forget So Easily is released on the 14th of September via 10? vinyl and download. Keep an eye out on the band’s MySpace page for ordering details. - There Goes The Fear


"You Forget So Easily - Exlovers EP Review"

Exlovers release their new EP, 'You Forget So Easily,' on September 14th. A five track delight of great quality, containing their previous single 'Just A Silhouette,' this is wonderful introduction to a blossoming band.

The Exlovers, rather like The Ex-Presidents before them, rob the banks, in their case, of a glorious indie-pop period, not to finance their 'endless summer,' but to reinvent a genre from a golden age, richly hewn, with plentiful reference points to purloin and plunder.

On 'You Forget So Easily' echoes of a young and exuberant 'Cure' can be heard, the song builds with overlaid guitar, boy/girl harmonies and a feel-good, free spirited, innocence. A tune sure to lift the bleakest of moods. 'New Year's Day' follows with it's cap duly dothed in the direction of Blurs, 'Coffee & TV.' 'Just A Silhouette' has a trace of Kirsty McColl about it whilst the final track 'The Moon Has Spoken' has the most stripped back of the EP's articulate arrangements. Spliced in-between we are treated to the racier 'Incomplete,' a tune that on first hearing you may consider should have been the obvious choice as the lead single. The jangly guitar and bouncier beat are sure to make it a crowd pleaser when aired live.

The echoes of indie-pop triumphs from the past are clear for all to hear, traces of The Primitives live on in 'Incomplete,' Echobelly are laced within the fabric of the EP and even the mighty Smiths are in evidence here, not only because 'You Forget So Easily' was recorded with Stephen Street but also because of the overall sensibility generated within the EP.

For all the influences that can be traced and highlighted here there is no doubting that Exlovers have a very fresh feel, they are not mimicking or recreating, theirs is an individual, relevant and accomplished sound. Having recently toured with the likes of Emmy The Great, The Golden Silvers and Pete & The Pirates, as well as up and coming performances supporting Pete Doherty, I'm sure we will be seeing, and hearing, a lot more from Exlovers, and that, I think, is something to look forward to. - All Gigs


"Review: Exlovers - You Forget So Easily"

Bringing with them a decent sense of pantomime and melodrama from the moody German expressionist artwork onwards, Exlovers release their five-track EP 'You Forget So Easily'.

Impressively, this comes barely a year after their formation and off the back of two ludicrously well-received singles, one of which crops up here. A sense is gained via a tremendous lack of pretention that the band don’t take themselves toe-curlingly seriously, and this makes their Cure-alike sound more than palatable. To suggest exlovers make anything other than straightforward indie-pop would be pulling the wool over your eyes. But that doesn’t mean You Forget So Easily is not enjoyable; on the contrary, the overall effect is thrillingly giddy and refreshingly simplistic.

The title track is a prime slice of indie pop recalling The Cure at the height of their commerciality and R.E.M. at the start of theirs. It features scratchy Inbetween Days guitar jangle and the bassist doing his best Mike Mills impersonation with a solid R.E.M.-style tone and technique. Some of the sweetest vocals imaginable are backed up by guitars which are fuzzy in a reassuring and not overly heavy way. The track is busy and always involving, with a guitar solo bordering on pop perfection. New Years Day is a twee yearning for sleep and affection, a bleary-eyed little acoustic lullaby featuring a lovely picked guitar line and airy boy-girl vocals. Previous single Just A Silhouette begins with a chiming Radio Song-like intro – they certainly love their late-80’s indie – before morphing into something more complex and delicious. Though the verses are pretty, the entwining guitar melodies in the bridge are just gorgeous and undeniably the highlight. The guitar tone and dinky wafting keys recall We Will Become Silhouettes slightly, and not just because of the titles’ commonalities. Incomplete is a hyperactive sugar headrush of a song, like flying through a candyfloss cloud in a bi-plane. It has a whiff of early Idlewild about it, only with the tunefulness and jangle turned all the way up, before the riff gets scuzzier in the bridge. The frantic drums keep pace in obedient style, unobtrusively supporting the band’s sound as a whole. Through Incomplete’s three rigorous minutes, Exlovers find time to prominently situate a lyric about ‘pictures of you’.

In what may well be the first-ever case of a band living up to their PR droolings, New Years Day and moreover The Moon Has Spoken actually do recall Either/Or-era Elliott Smith. The rudimentary drum sound tiptoeing amongst New Years Day’s fairydust tambourine mirrors Smith’s always-successful teaming of careful and complex guitar work with ramshackle percussion to great effect. Lyrics involving bittersweet assurances of coping only cement the comparison, but as similarities go, it’s a good one to cultivate. The Moon Has Spoken’s solo acoustic drift and multitracked harmonised vocals provide a wistful close to a youthfully exuberant EP. It’s instantly likeable; chipper, optimistic and fun, with nothing outstaying its welcome. You Forget So Easily is very short and sweet, which perhaps lacks ambition, but will surely just leave Exlovers’ audience eager for more. This is a burnished pop gem and has the wide-eyed, mewling wonderment of a newborn panda. Love it, love it, love it. - Noize Makes Enemies


"Exlovers Announce Co-Headline Tour"

London five-piece exlovers have announced that they will be back on the road in October and November, for a co-headline tour with Kurran And The Wolfnotes. The tour, which begins in Norwich on 21st October and culminates in Cambridge on 6th November, includes a very special Levi's One to Watch show at London's Borderline on 22nd October.

The dates will follow the release of their new 5-track EP 'You Forget So Easily' on 14 September 2009 through Chess Club Records. The EP was recorded with Stephen Street, (The Smiths, Blur, Peter Doherty), who approached the band after seeing them supporting Peter Doherty at Shepherds Bush Empire for an NME Awards show. Recent singles 'Photobooth', and 'Just A Silhouette' were widely lauded and proved mainstays at radio, with 'Photobooth' being made Steve Lamacq's single of the week on BBC 6Music. Zane Lowe and Huw Stephens have also been giving the band support on Radio 1, and XFM and 6 Music both added exlovers to their daytime playlists.

Tour details;

21 Oct NORWICH Arts Centre
22 Oct LONDON The Borderline
23 Oct BRISTOL Louisiana
24 Oct BRIGHTON The Hope
25 Oct SOUTHAMPTON Hampton's
27 Oct OXFORD The Cellar
28 Oct MANCHESTER The Ruby Lounge
30 Oct LEEDS Cockpit
31 Oct LIVERPOOL Korova
1 Nov EDINBURGH Electric Circus
2 Nov GLASGOW King Tuts
4 Nov NOTTINGHAM Bodega
5 Nov BIRMINGHAM Hare and Hounds
6 Nov CAMBRIDGE Portland Arms - God Is In The TV


"Unsigned Bands - Exlovers"

London based gig machines Exlovers brought their relaxed indie sound to BBC Cornwall ahead of a big European tour with alterative starts Peter, Bjorn and John. Listen to an interview and hear tracks from the Cornish bred indie songwriters.

Originally from Cornwall Peter and Chris from the band moved to London to pursue their career in music as two separate acts years apart but as their respective bands grew apart members Peter and Chris realised they could make something entirely different.

Although the Exlovers original bands were firmly rooted within the hardcore genre, the band has comfortably achieve a blissful melody in indie sonnets like 'Just a silhouette' and 'You forget so easily' whilst tracks like 'You're so quiet' provide a nice jump in tempo.

Peter and Chris from the band visited David White at BBC Cornwall to record an interview for BBC Introducing you can listen to the interview by clicking on the link below.

Many of the instrumentals seem reminiscent of The Cure whilst vocals similar to that of Ben Gibbard from The Postal Service result in a fresh yet therapeutic sound for music lovers.

Now living in London, the band has made the trip to Cornwall to play a special one-off show in their home county before embarking on a large tour.

The band are moving up in the world and getting their songs played top the masses after being awarded 'song of the week' by Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie on BBC Radio Two in September.

The band already have an impressive live career having played a whopping 120 gigs after being together for only 12 months and over the future they hope to keep the standard up in the quest to get noticed and gain more support.

"We decided we'd just tour and tour and try and pick up fans like that instead of approaching it from the other angle.

"We like the idea of playing live and getting a reasonable fan base before sending demos to labels, we're not trying to court labels into signing us"

Exlovers will be releasing 'You Forget So Easily', a new five track EP on September 14. - BBC Cornwall


"Exlovers - You Forget So Easily EP (Chess Club 10")"

Proving the wonderful ‘Photobooth’ was no fluke, the new 5 track EP, recorded with Stephen Street, is another treasure trove of boy-girl harmonies and dreamy pop soundscapes. ‘You Forget So Easily’ is introverted melodic pop with a strong Cure-ish bassline. Meanwhile ‘New Years Day’ seems inspired by Elliott Smith’s restless spirit and his talent for rescuing melody from the darkest of corners. The other track on here that's worth singling out is former single ‘Just A Silhouette’, which is a glorious riot of jangly guitars. Skinny young guitar bands from London are still ten-a-penny but what marks Exlovers out is serious talent.

We also see them launching the single in the Pure Groove shop on 9 September. The five piece might need to work on their stage banter but musically it more than passes muster. Although they only let loose on their closing song ‘Weightless’, their gift for drawing forth melody from melancholy is impressive and the quality of their three singles to date (in just over a year) shows that there’s substance to the band. Think of the Lemonheads with humility and a fondness for the Beatles songbook and you might be on the right track to describing Exlovers. - Sounds XP


"Exlovers - You Forget So Easily"

In early 2008 Exlovers formed and since that time they have been wooing crowds with their melodic musings and catchy riffs. Made up of band members Peter Scott, Laurel Sills, Danny Blackman, Chris Woodhead and Brooke Rogers, the band have released a new EP of 5 songs which really sums up how far they have come in such a short amount of time.

The first track You Forget So Easily is without doubt the most commercial song on the soundtrack and reminisces of a bygone era of melodic rock from the nineties. The great guitar intro grabs you from the start and will easily sit proudly as the bands most accomplished track to date. New Years Day follows along similar lines with a quite beautiful instrumental - very similar to Death Cab for Cutie. Its bittersweet done as it should be done, reflective and utterly absorbing. Just A Silhouette is a more jovial and lighter track, with a fast middle chorus setting up track 4 well. Incomplete, with its rocking and repetitive bassline is the liveliest of all the tracks but even then, it manages to have melancholy undertones. The final track is The Moon Has Spoken, the slowest of the set which is an emotive ride into sadness and a wonderful way to end the EP.

This is a great opportunity to introduce yourself to Exlovers - there brand of sweet and subtle music is sorely lacking in today's market and will remind you of a better age in music. - Entertainment Focus


"Exlovers - You Forget So Easily"

After playing support for the likes of Pete Doherty, London based five-piece Exlovers have sung, plucked, beat and strummed their way into our hearts. Their latest EP ‘You Forget So Easily’, released 14th September, is a soaring, love-fest of indie magic, perfect to keep you warm as autumn sets in.

First track ‘You Forget So Easily’ is a perfect slice of indie-pop and while the upbeat melody will set your spirits soaring, there is an underlining sweep of melancholy throughout. This perfectly sums up the EP from the beginning. It may be sweet but it is certainly not sugar coated. Like real life, every silver-lining has its grey cloud. ‘You forget so easily’ lets you revel in this and feel excited and giddy in its truthfulness and realism. Continually, ‘Just a Silhouette’ is a little shiver of magic from the very beginning, as a steady bass beat joins a simple, yet perfectly worked guitar part, then melts into beautiful, harmonious vocals and an uplifting drumbeat. It will make you smile at strangers. Literally.

For all intents and purposes ‘New Years Day’ sounds like it was written by the late, great Elliot Smith. Apart from the obvious differences in vocals, it is so stylistically similar that it leaves you with an odd feeling of Déjà Vu and this essence of familiarity continues with last track ‘The Moon Has Spoken’, once again filled with the same Smith-esque chord progressions and melodies. Is this detrimental to the EP? No, in a word. Both songs are excellent, if a little eerie and work well in themselves without sounding like knock-offs; a hard thing to pull off, but Exlovers have.

Throughout the five tracks of ‘You forget so easily’ spanning from melancholic lullabies to fast-paced guitar driven punches of indie-pop, there is one word which seems to ring in your mind. Accomplished. Exlovers have managed to hang the wreath of truth and realism over every single track, whilst holding it all together with a solid production from Stephen Street (The Smiths, Blur) and a knowing sense of their own aims. It’s not often that an EP grabs you and pulls you in so quickly. This is down to hard work, excellent musicianship and the ability to know exactly what you want to create and then; delivering that. - Room Thirteen


"Review: Exlovers @ The Lexington, Sep 22nd."

Last night we were at The Lexington for a second night in a row. Following an excellent performance by Girls on Monday it was Londoners Ex Lovers turn to impress. The night doubled as the EP launch for their new 10” Chess Club Records release ‘You Forget So Easily’. Would they sink? Would they swim? Would anyone care?

As their soundcheck had hinted at earlier the answer was to be an emphatic swim. With the venue’s big sound system behind them the band blasted through a short but ever so sweet twenty-five minute set. Opener ‘A Moment That Keeps Repeating’ warmed appetites for what was to come with it’s simple duelling guitar lines, relentless rhythm and beautiful Elliot Smith meets The Lemonheads vocal harmonies from frontman/guitarist Pete and backing vocalist, the lovely Laurel.

With Steve Lamacq notably listening from the back of the room the band continued to impress with material from their EP as well as ‘Photobooth’ and previous single ‘Just A Silhouette’ which remains for us their best track yet.

Ex Lovers play a few more London dates over the next couple of weeks before embarking on a joint UK tour with Kurran & The Wolfnotes. It should be hard to miss them but don’t come crying to us if you do!

Look out for an exclusive Ex Lovers interview coming to Music Mule soooooon. - Music Mule


"Exlovers [Live] EP launch Show - The Lexington, London"

And so on to the Exl's who start things off with a grungy little dive into destruction with a smile. They're looking the part tonight with he* in arty shirt, floppy hat and bespoke tattoos and she** dancing behind the baby blue lappy in a pink dress that can't but help engender thoughts of its removal (sorry but there it is...) in the majority of male scene dabblers packing the room out tonight.

Exlovers are playing with a careful attention to their deftly crafted songs that demonstrates an obvious love and belief in what they are doing. We get a short, tight set coming in at under half an hour but no one's been cheated here. When they sing, "...and you have never looked more beautiful," on 'You Forget So Easily' it's enough to melt this Portland heart of mine (I'm from Croydon, but not in this daydream). Also present are the brilliant 'Just A Silhouette' and 'You're So Quiet', which seems to have changed names since I last reviewed the EP along with 'Photobooth'.

Closing with a much harder four to the floor belter (that I have written here on this pad as 'Weightless' but I could be wrong) and no messing about with encores they are gone before we've got to grips with what's just hit us. The light is on - catch them on their current UK tour with Kurran & The Wolfnotes if you get even half a chance. - Altsounds


"Interview: Exlovers"

Hello, Thanks for talking with us, how are you today?

I’m very well, thank you for asking.

I was just looking at some of your tour dates and you hit a number of festivals this summer. How were the crowds?

Very small but very nice, except for V festival which was us basically playing to about 200 lads on tour (apart from the few people at the front who made the whole thing worthwhile).

Was this your first Glastonbury?

Well yes but I was the only one who went in the end. There were complications which I still don’t fully understand that resulted in only being given one ticket, so I went and played a couple of solo shows.

Any funny stories from the road?

I have a horrible story that I’ll tell you. I think it was in Darlington wherever that is and we were playing a gig in this big shopping mall. So we started loading in the equipment and Ben (from The Golden Silvers) and I got in a tiny dumb waiter lift and someone shut the door and sent it up and it got stuck half way. I tried to open the door but there was just a brick wall behind it, our phones had no signal and after about five minutes we really started panicking. I remember Ben saying ‘this is really bad isn’t it’ and I was practically having a nervous breakdown so I kept saying ‘shut up Ben we’re going to get out and everything will be fine’ but really I thought we’d die in there. Anyway, we got out in the end.

Tell us a bit about the new EP ‘You Forget So Easily‘ ?

It’s something I’m really proud of. We really had very little time to record it in and I’m really happy with the way it turned out. There were a couple of really newly written tracks in there as well so it was great to work on those.

It was produced by Stephen Street. How was it working with such a big producer?

Well it was kind of intimidating at first but he completely put us at ease and was really tuned in to what we wanted it to sound like. He’s a lovely guy and he makes records sound amazing.

I am loving the cover art for this release. Who did the art for the EP? Who is that in the shot?

I did it, I’m glad you like it. I can’t really reveal who it is I’m afraid, there were complications after it got released and it was too late to change it, hopefully it’s all cool now but I’d still rather not start naming people.

What band other than yourselves should we all be listening to?

I’m not very clued up on new bands so I’m probably not going to be much help, I’m listening to a lot of Teenage Fanclub and Bon Iver right now, but I guess they’re old news to most people out there. Good bands though. - Comfort Comes


"Exlovers - You Forget So Easily"

Despite its title the new EP from Exlovers, released through Chess Club Records, ‘You Forget So Easily’ is something that is not actually easily forgotten. It becomes clear in the title track that Exlovers seem to share the same rare talent that The Smiths had, being able to cover pessimistic lyrics with an optimistic tune. It makes for a great introduction to what can only be described as a fantastically stable step up the music ladder for a severely underrated band. Adding to the overall greatness of the EP are the genius lyrics that Exlovers have scattered throughout their five tracks, of which ‘New Years Day’ is particularly outstanding. The compelling disjointed male and female vocals of ‘Incomplete’ oddly complement each other creating a memorable and unique track, and it seems a very hard one to follow. But then the haunting, melodic yet relaxing vocals of ‘The Moon Has Spoken’ appear, ending the EP with undeniably its best track. Although yet to make it ‘big’ it cannot be too long before Exlovers enjoy the success that they deserve, especially with a record like this tucked safely under their belt. They are certainly not a band to be forgotten. - Call Upon The Author


"Exlovers - You Forget So Easily EP"

This is a high quality release from Exlovers, and one which should make them many friends.

The opener You Forget So Easily is jingly/jangly indie by numbers, which they just about get away with because it does sound quite fresh. New Years Day is a tranquil tune that shows up the band in a more melancholic light. We are back in indie-pop land with Just a Silhouette, which is actually a very good pop song. Incomplete ups the pace, with its new wave sensibilities. The haunting, troubling The Moon Has Spoken finishes things off very nicely, albeit on a darker note.

Exlovers have crafted an excellent EP which amply shows off their various talents. The boy/girl harmonies are intrinsic to the songs, and not just an afterthought. They're versatile, demonstrating that they are as comfortable playing light, jaunty pop, as they are with more sombre material.

True, there’s nothing hear that hasn’t been done or heard before, but when it is done this well, who cares? - Music News


"The Ex Ex... Exlovers"

Rolling up his trouser leg and hoping for some sympathy, Brooke sheepishly presents his shin to the room. The drummer from Exlovers is sporting a grim looking graze from where he tried, and failed, to jump onstage moments earlier. Somewhere between my arrival and trying to find our way upstairs at the Joiners in Southampton, which took no more than three minutes, Brooke has injured himself.
They say bad luck comes in threes. After a broken van stopped them from reaching the first night of their headline tour, reports of a broken iPod, and now Brooke’s minor shin injury, it looks like it’s time for their luck to change.
Exlovers are one of my favourite bands; they’re being played on the radio and the blogs love them, but the music press so far seems to have overlooked this five-piece from London. “We’ve had a lot of radio play considering we’ve only released two singles,” says Pete, who writes all the music. The singer continues: “I think that’s where most people have come to hear us, because we haven’t had much press; we’ve just been getting on with it ourselves and touring a lot.”
Their music has gained comparisons to the Cure, and is best summed up as girl/boy vocals over jangly, sometimes frantic guitars and gentle drums. The music they’ve released generally sounds like upbeat pop songs. Pete assures me that Exlovers have a darker side too; it’s just that they haven’t had the chance to play those songs, until now.
Pete and Chris, the guitarist, both met in Cornwall. After moving to London and being introduced by mutual friends, Exlovers “decided to make a band when we were told we had a tour in a couple of weeks,” says Pete. Whilst Laurel, who also sings, says living in London has its advantage for any young band, Brooke says that’s because the capital offers more places to play and record. “I think as long as everyone’s in the same place it doesn’t matter,” says Pete.
If you catch Exlovers live, or even listen to them on MySpace, aside from falling in love with their original songs, you’ll also be blown away by their cover of ‘Wicked Game’ by Chris Isaak. As Pete is telling me that Exlovers chose to cover the song because “we started playing it a lot in rehearsals,” Laurel interrupts to explain they recorded the song for a blog. “There was someone who said to us ‘you need to do a cover for this video blog’, but they didn’t like it,” she says. “It had to be a hip hop song but it wasn’t hip hop really.”
Quite why Exlovers remain unsigned is a mystery to me. They’ve got that perfect mix of musical talent that translates into gripping live sets, backed up by the most stunning songs I’ve heard in a long time; they’re an interesting and likeable group of people; and they’re completely marketable – surely every label exec’s idea of money-making heaven? They manage to straddle the world of mass appeal with their catchy music, and remain credible, backed up by their musical talents and well crafted songs. “Hopefully someone will sign us,” says Pete, “and we’ll do an album. If they don’t, we’ll still do the album.”
Pete tells me that if they don’t get signed they’ll keep working part-time to support the band; Laurel and Brooke work in a call centre and bassist Danny works as a graphic designer. “He’s actually got a good career,” teases Laurel.
Of all the festivals Exlovers played last year, the Isle of Wight festival really made an impression with Brooke. “It’s V festival, just on the Isle of Wight,” he jokes. “It has a great line-up, but it’s weird though; it’s like people aren’t even bothered about watching music. Even when the Pixies were about to start we literally could get right to the front.” “Latitude was probably a similar size,” says Laurel, “but I think the whole atmosphere of Latitude was more of people going to watch bands.”
Before I leave the band to prepare for what has accidentally become the opening night of their tour, I ask them a final question: where would they like to play this summer? Brooke says he really wants to play the Green Man festival, but he’s not so keen on returning to V. “God - no V festival please,” he says, before joking: “If I give you our email address, can you send this interview to our agent?” - Gigwise


"More about Exlovers"

Assembled in London, meeting through mutual friends exlovers have wasted no time since forming in early 2008. Their early sound was a quiet, folkish affair playing songs such as ‘The Ruins’ and ‘S.O.F’ previously written by Peter . exlovers quickly drew upon their early 90’s American and UK indie influences (The Cure/Teenage Fan Club/My Bloody Valentine/Elliot Smith), collectively writing to combine sweetly sombre lyrical musings with lo-fi guitars, ever-developing boy-girl harmonies and subtle instrumental discord to stunning effect.

After completing several UK tours with the likes of Golden Silvers, Emmy the Great, and Pete and the Pirates, exlovers drew the attention of legendary indie producer Stephen Street (Blur, The Smiths, Pete Doherty) after watching the band supporting Pete Doherty on the ‘09 NME Awards Tour. Having released limited edition 7” singles ‘Just a Silhouette’ (Chess Club) and ‘Photobooth/Weightless’ (Young & Lost Club double A-side), both of which were widely lauded and proved mainstays at XFM, Radio 1 and 6Music, Street offered his services to record the forthcoming 5 track E.P. entitled ‘You Forget So Easily’.

‘You Forget So Easily’ is released on 14th September through Chess Club Records. exlovers are to tour France in October on the InRocks tour with Peter Bjorn and John, as well as a co-headline UK tour with Kurran and the Wolfnotes.

exlovers comprise of Peter Scott (Vocals/Guitar), Laurel Sills (Vocals/Keys/Glock/Percussion), Danny Blackman (Bass/Guitar), Chris Woodhead (Guitar/Vocals), Brooke Rogers (Drums/Percussion) - Joiners Live


"Exlovers - Photobooth / Weightless"

Despite being a baby-band, having only formed in 2008, London based quintet Exlovers are already racking up an impressive resume. Signed to the same label as Noah and the Whale and The Virgins and having recently supported Pete Doherty at the NME Awards, Exlovers look set for world domination and this double A-side only serves to further confirm it.

Beginning with 'Photobooth', you could be forgiven for writing Exlovers off as ‘just another indie band’. Whilst the sound is polished and the boy-girl harmonies are whimsical and dreamy, there’s not a lot that sets it apart from other young up and comers, such as Manchester based Run Toto Run. However 'Weightless', a song featuring lo-fi guitar and cutting lyrics, serves as the chalk to 'Photobooth'’s cheese and establishes Exlovers as a band with range and depth.

Proving their worth at both ends of the spectrum, these guys are definitely the ones to watch in the coming months. Having just completed a string of dates in the UK supporting Emmy The Great and with the inevitable success of this offering, expect to hear Exlovers’ name being uttered by all the hipsters in the near future. - DIY


"Exlovers"

Where are you from?

We're from all over really. Pete and Chris are from St Ives in Cornwall, Brooke's from west Yorkshire, Danny's from Manchester and Laurel's from Totnes in Devon. But now London feels like home for all of us.

Names of band members and instruments played?

Peter Scott, singing and guitar; Chris Woodhead, guitar and singing; Laurel Sills, singing and other bits and bobs; Brooke Rogers, drums; and Danny Blackman, bass.

How long have you been making music?

We've all been in various bands before, but we've been playing together for just over a year now.

Style of music and influences?

That's always a hard one. Maybe... alternative... indie... pop? In terms of influences, My Bloody Valentine, The Beatles and The Lemonheads.

Best moment so far?

It's a toss up between the launch for our single Photobooth earlier in 2009 - it was amazing to have a crowded room singing along to our songs; recording the new EP with producer Stephen Street and supporting Pete Doherty at Shepherds Bush Empire.

What song would you most like to cover?

Wicked Game by Chris Isaak. - BBC London


Discography

You Forget So Easily
10" E.P. Japan Release + bonus material | Fastcut records | Jun 1

You Forget So Easily
10" E.P. | Chess Club | Sep '09

Photobooth/Weightless
7" Single | Young & Lost Club | Apr '09

Just A Silhouette
7" Single | Chess Club | Dec '08

Photos

Bio

We are five people drawn together by a love of intricate guitar, interwoven melodies and indie pop. In the three years we have been together, we have grown musically and formed a sound that has a bit of all of us present.

As a band we have relentlessly toured the UK, clocking up around 100 gigs in the first year we were together. We see live performance as the main way to get our music out there, and have built a following through touring. On top of our UK tours we have supported Peter, Bjorn and John on a French tour, and recently played the Montreux Jazz Festival in Geneva. We have had very good crowd responses from these shows. We would love the opportunity to showcase our music to an American audience.

Although we are not presently signed to a label, we have released a single through Young and Lost Club, 'Photobooth' and a single and an EP through Chess Club, 'Just a Silhouette' and 'You Forget So Easily' (which we recorded with Stephen Street). We are in talks to release an Album.

Our promotion is mainly through touring, online press and radio play. We have played two sessions with Mark Riley on BBC6 music, were Steve Lamacq's 'favourite new band', and twice won the rebel playlist on the Radcliffe and Maconie show through public vote.