Brighton-based five-piece Fickle Friends are the first act from 2015’s edition of THE LIST.
The band formed in early 2013, when lead singer Natassja Shiner met drummer Sam Morris whilst attending the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. When the duo headed to Brighton to attend university they recruited bassist Harry Herrington, keyboardist Jack Wilson and guitarist Chris Hall. Shortly after forming they entered, and subsequently won, Jamie Oliver’s annual Summer Jam competition, which led to a performance on the main stage at the 2013 Big Feastival.
On the first of January 2014 the band posted track ‘Swim’ on Soundcloud, and after a number one posting on hype machine the track subsequently blew up over the blogosphere. This was the beginning of a huge year for the group, in which each track they’ve put on Soundcloud has acquired over 100,000 listens and they’ve received support from the likes of BBC Radio 1.
The bands bouncy indie-pop is infectiously catchy. ‘Swim’ sounds seemingly carefree, but Shiner explained the meaning behind the track saying: “It follows the idea that people get mixed up in confusion [in relationships]and sometimes feel like they’re drowning…that’s what SWIM is”. The band have a talent where the naturally manage to blend their playful, sunny music with deeper lyrics completely effortlessly. The bands most recent offering, ‘For You’, is another slice of sunshine. With New Wave influences throughout, the elegant melody slides across the upbeat accompaniment.
With an EP out in early this year, the five-piece are definitely an act to keep an eye on.
