The Abstracts

The Abstracts were initially set up as a four-piece indie/rock band from York. They met on the Access to Music course at the Jam Factory and formed in the October of 2007. The band originally consisted of Felix Morgan (Vocals and Guitar), Dave Wells (Vocals and Guitar), Rob Stephens (Bass) and Caspar Haslam (Drums and Percussion).

Dave Wells left the band after just one month leaving the band to battle on as a three piece for a short time. Tim Downie (Guitar) was recruited in December 2007 but unfortunately left along with Rob in May 2008. Felix and Caspar the two surviving original members agreed to continue with the band and recruited Nick Fisher on bass and Dave Wilson on guitar and vocals. However, in August 2008 Nick left the band and Ben Nunn, Felix’s old Equinox band-mate, was recruited as the bands new bassist. In June 2009, Caspar parted ways with the band due to musical differences. Mark Thomson, also of Equinox, was recruited as the bands full time drummer. Due to the positioning of the band members, The Abstracts have a wide span over the country with contacts in Cambridge, Manchester and York.

The band have been heavily influenced by modern indie bands such as The Libertines and The Futureheads, brit pop, e.g. The Verve, Oasis, 70s punk including The Jam, Sex Pistols, The Only Ones etc. There is also an echo of some new wave such as Joy Division and The Talking Heads. Their live shows are very energetic and involving with very predominant basslines, jangley guitars and pulsating drums accompanied by well accentuated vocals and interesting lyrics.