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The Wytches

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The Wytches
The Wytches - John Peel Centre, Stowmarket
The Wytches - John Peel Centre, Stowmarket
Background information
Also known asThe Witches (2011–2012)
OriginPeterborough, England
Genres
Years active2011–present
Labels
Members
  • Kristian Bell
  • Daniel Rumsey
  • Mark Breed
  • Bhavin Thaker
Past members
  • Gianni Honey
  • Demelza Mather
Websitewww.thewytches.net/

The Wytches are an English rock band formed in 2011 in Peterborough. Following their formation, the band were based in Brighton.[5] The band currently consists of singer-songwriter Kristian Bell, bassist Daniel Rumsey and keyboardist/guitarist Mark Breed.[6]

Drummer Gianni Honey left the band in 2019.[7]

History

[edit]

Kristian Bell and Gianni Honey had previously played together in the Crooked Canes in their hometown of Peterborough. Honey was taught by former Morrissey drummer Spike T. Smith and played in local bands.

Following the split of the Crooked Canes, the duo moved to Brighton to attend university and advertised around campus for a bassist. Daniel Rumsey was the only person to respond and joined the band. Rumsey was a singer-songwriter originally from Dorset who had fronted the "horror punk" band Fall Victim before moving to Brighton where he fronted Dan Rumsey & the Bitter End[8] and the Voyage Andromeda.[9] Initially called the Witches, the band changed the spelling to Wytches to make their band name more easily found on Google.[10] The band also originally featured second guitarist Mark Breed, with whom Bell later started a side project with called the Mark and Kristian Band.[11]

The band released their debut single "Beehive Queen" in June 2013 via Hate Hate Hate Records[12] and follow up single "Robe for Juda" in November 2013.[13] In September 2013 the band released a low key limited edition cassette Thunder Lizard Revisited.[14] The band released their debut US single "Crying Clown" (originally the b-side to the band's debut UK single) via Fat Possum Records in November 2013.[15]

Annabel Dream Reader (2014–2015)

[edit]

On 4 February 2014, the band announced they had signed with Heavenly Recordings and released "Gravedweller" as a free digital single.[16] The band also signed to Partisan Records in the US.[17]

The band released their debut album Annabel Dream Reader in August 2014.[18] The album was recorded over two days at Toe Rag Studios in Hackney, London and co-produced by Bell and former Coral guitarist Bill Ryder-Jones.[19] The album was recorded and mixed by Luke Oldfield on an 8-track Studer A80.[20] It reached number 50 in the UK Albums Chart.[21]

All Your Happy Life (2016–2019)

[edit]

In August 2016, Mark Breed re-joined the band as a permanent member.[22]

The band released an EP of self recorded songs titled Home Recordings in June 2016.[23] In September 2016 they released their second album All Your Happy Life.[24]

In 2018, the band parted ways with their UK record label Heavenly Recordings and US record label Partisan, leaving them unsigned.[25] In March 2019, the band pulled out of a planned UK support tour with Drenge plus several warm up dates, citing "unforeseen circumstances".[26]

In October 2019, the band played 3 gigs as a 3-piece with Honey replaced by session player Demelza Mather.[27]

Three Mile Ditch (2020–2022)

[edit]

In May 2020, Daniel Rumsey released an EP called The Darkest Day from a new side project called Dan Rumsey & the Dark Days.[28]

On 10 June 2020, the band released the single "Cowboy" via their own label Cable Code Records.[7] It was also confirmed at this time that Gianni Honey had officially left the band, with Bell stating "we were disheartened by the whole thing. All the work that goes into getting a band off its feet and into the public felt like something we'd have to try all over again".[29]

On October 2, 2020, the band released their third album Three Mile Ditch via Cable Code Records.[30]

In November 2021, Kristian Bell released a solo album Backfire through Cable Code Records.[31]

Our Guest Can't Be Named (2023-24)

[edit]

Demelza Mather had toured with the band as a session drummer since Honey's departure in 2019 and was announced as an official member of the group in March 2023.[32][33]

In June 2023, the band announced they had signed to Alcopop! Records and would be performing a tour of the UK and Europe in October 2023.[34][35]

On July 4, 2023, the band released the single "Maria" and also announced their upcoming fourth album Our Guest Can't Be Named would be released in September 2023.[36] The music video for Maria was directed by band member Mark Breed.[6]

On August 24, 2023, the band released Zep Step, the second single from Our Guest Can't Be Named.[37] A limited edition 7" pressing of the single was released printed on X-ray films in the style of Ribs, a historically black market method of smuggling and distributing music banned from the public.[38] The accompanying music video was again directed by Mark Breed.[39]

On September 22, 2023, The Wytches released their fourth album Our Guest Can't Be Named. The album received largely positive reviews,[40] with DIY Magazine describing it as "A wave-ride of glorious surf-sludge"[41] and Far Out Magazine calling the album "Some of the greatest songs they’ve ever released".[42]

On 5 July 2024, the band released the 'Replica' EP via Alcopop! Records. As well as Pentagram, it also features covers of tracks by Porter Wagoner, Chet Baker and John Cale.[43]

Band members

[edit]

Current members

  • Kristian Bell – lead vocals, guitar (2011–present)
  • Daniel Rumsey – bass guitar, backing vocals (2011–present)
  • Mark Breed – keyboards, guitar (2011-2012, 2016–present)[44]
  • Bhavin Thaker - Drums (2024-present)

Former members

  • Gianni Honey – drums (2011–2019)
  • Demelza Mather – drums (2023–2024)

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
UK
[21]
Annabel Dream Reader 50
All Your Happy Life
  • Released: September 30, 2016
  • Label: Heavenly
  • Formats: CD, LP, download
 78
Three Mile Ditch
  • Released: October 2, 2020
  • Label: Cable Code
  • Formats: CD, LP, cassette, download
 —
Our Guest Can't Be Named
  • Released: September 22, 2023
  • Label: Alcopop!
  • Formats: CD, LP, download
 97

EPs

[edit]
  • The Witches (2012, self released)
  • Thunder Lizard Revisited (2013, Hate Hate Hate)
  • Gravedweller (2014, Heavenly)
  • Thunder Lizard's Reprieve (2015, Scion Audio/Visual)
  • Home Recordings (2016, self released)
  • Double World (2017, self released)
  • Replica (2024, Alcopop!)

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Album
"Robe for Juda"[45] 2013 Annabel Dream Reader
"Crying Clown"[46]
"Digsaw" / "House of Mirrors"[47]
"Gravedweller"[48] 2014
"Wire Frame Mattress"[49]
"Burn Out the Bruise"[50]
"C-Side"[51] 2016 All Your Happy Life
"Crest of Death"[52]
"Double World"[53] 2017 non-album single
"Cowboy"[54] 2020 Three Mile Ditch
"A Love You'll Never Know"[55]
"Maria"[6] 2023 Our Guest Can't Be Named
"Zep Step"[37]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Radar Band Of The Week - The Wytches - NME". NME. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  2. ^ "The Wytches premiere aggressive new song "Wasteybois" — listen". Consequence of Sound. 4 August 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  3. ^ "The Wytches discography". RateYourMusic.com.
  4. ^ "THE WYTCHES | LIVE REVIEW • Buzz Magazine". Buzz Magazine. 18 December 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  5. ^ "New Band of the Day: The Wytches". The Guardian. 1 May 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  6. ^ a b c "The Wytches Announce Fourth Album 'Our Guests Can't Be Named', Share Lead Single Maria". stereoboard.com.
  7. ^ a b "The Wytches blast back with new single "Cowboy"". thelineofbestfit.com.
  8. ^ "Dan Rumsey & The Bitter End's Songs". Reverbnation.com.
  9. ^ "About The Crew". 10 January 2014. Archived from the original on 10 January 2014. Retrieved 11 October 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  10. ^ Day, Natt (28 June 2013). "Interview: The Wytches » 7Bit Arcade". 7bitarcade.com. Archived from the original on 10 January 2014. Retrieved 11 October 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  11. ^ "the wytches side project mark and kristian band share new single". brightonsfinest.com.
  12. ^ "The Wytches (Sailor Jerry Presents show) - RFB". Rockfeedback.com.
  13. ^ "Radar Band Of The Week - The Wytches". New Musical Express. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  14. ^ "The Wytches Announce The Release Of 'Thunder Lizard Revisited' Ep On Limited Cassette". Contactmusic.com. 20 September 2013.
  15. ^ "American Wrestlers Share "Hello, Dear", Now Premiering via DIY – Announce More Tour Dates". Fatpossum.com.
  16. ^ "| Heavenly Recordings". 22 February 2014. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 11 October 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  17. ^ "UK band The Wytches sign to Partisan, readying debut LP, playing SXSW (dates, streams)". Brooklynvegan.com. 12 February 2014.
  18. ^ Heller, Jason (27 August 2014). "The Wytches: Annabel Dream Reader Album Review". Pitchfork.com. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  19. ^ "The Wytches – Partisan Records". Archived from the original on 5 May 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  20. ^ "Tilehouse Studios - Timeline - Facebook". facebook.com.
  21. ^ a b "WYTCHES | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  22. ^ "The Wytches Have Recruited a New Member". readdork.com/. 31 August 2016.
  23. ^ "The Wytches Debut Home Recordings EP". readdork.com. 17 June 2016.
  24. ^ "The Wytches - All Your Happy Life". Diymag.com. 30 September 2016. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  25. ^ "Artists ← Partisan Records". Partisanrecords.com.
  26. ^ "STRANGE CREATURES UK TOUR". Facebook.com.
  27. ^ Franks, Richard (13 September 2019). "The Wytches announce return with intimate Birmingham gig". Counteract.co.
  28. ^ "Dan Rumsey & The Dark Days - The Darkest Day (Self-Released)". God Is In The TV. 15 May 2020. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  29. ^ "The Wytches Get in Some Skeleton Cowboys for Their a New Video for 'Cowboy'". readdork.com.
  30. ^ "The Wytches welcome return is rife with mesmeric dark riffs". thelineofbestfit.com.
  31. ^ "Kristian Bell – Backfire Album Review". realtastymusic.wordpress.com.
  32. ^ "The Wytches Blaze a Trail on New Single 'Cowboy'". 10 June 2020.
  33. ^ "Demelza Mather - Alumni". BIMM Music Institute.
  34. ^ "THE WYTCHES SIGN TO ALCOPOP! RECORDS AND ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM, 'OUR GUEST CAN'T BE NAMED'". diymag.com.
  35. ^ "Alcopop roster: The Wytches!". ilovealcopop.co.uk.
  36. ^ "The Wytches announce new album, 'Our Guest Can't Be Named'". faroutmagazine.co.uk.
  37. ^ a b "The Wytches deliver new track 'Zep Step'". mysticsons.com.
  38. ^ "THE WYTCHES Release Ltd. Edition New 7" X-Ray Single 'Zep Step' Out Now". originalrock.net.
  39. ^ "The Wytches Drop New Video "Zep Step"". thoughtswordsaction.com.
  40. ^ "Our Guest Can't Be Named". rateyourmusic.com.
  41. ^ "THE WYTCHES - OUR GUEST CAN'T BE NAMED". diymag.com.
  42. ^ "The Wytches - 'Our Guest Can't Be Named' album review: A heavy dive into gothic roots". faroutmagazine.co.uk.
  43. ^ "THE WYTCHES Announce Covers Cassette EP 'Replica' Released 5th July 2024 via Alcopop! Records". clickrollboom.co.uk.
  44. ^ "The Wytches have recruited a new member | Dork". Dork. 31 August 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2017.[permanent dead link‍]
  45. ^ "Robe For Juda - Single by The Wytches", Itunes.apple.com, 19 November 2013, retrieved 12 November 2018
  46. ^ "Crying Clown - Single by The Wytches", Itunes.apple.com, 1 January 2013, retrieved 12 November 2018
  47. ^ "The Wytches - Digsaw / House Of Mirrors". Discogs.com. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  48. ^ "Gravedweller - Single by The Wytches", Itunes.apple.com, 10 February 2014, retrieved 12 November 2018
  49. ^ "Wire Frame Mattress - Single by The Wytches", Itunes.apple.com, 4 July 2014, retrieved 12 November 2018
  50. ^ "Burn Out the Bruise - Single by The Wytches". Itunes.apple.com. 14 July 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  51. ^ "SPILL NEW MUSIC: THE WYTCHES SHARE "C-SIDE" | "ALL YOUR HAPPY LIFE" LP OUT SEPTEMBER 30TH ON HEAVENLY RECORDINGS". The Spill Magazine. 11 August 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  52. ^ "The Wytches - Crest of Death". Diymag.com. 28 September 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  53. ^ "The Wytches share two versions of new track 'Double World'". Diymag.com. 31 October 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  54. ^ "The Wytches blast back with new single "Cowboy"". Thelineofbestfit.com. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
  55. ^ "The Wytches announce third album with lead cut "A Love You'll Never Know"". Thelineofbestfit.com. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
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