The Bombay Bicycle Club was a seminal band that emerged from the indie rock scene in London in the late 2000s. Formed in 2005, the band quickly gained a devoted following for their energetic live performances and eclectic sound that blended acoustic folk, jazz, and afrobeat influences. The Bombay Bicycle Club released four studio albums before going on hiatus in 2016. This article will explore the history of the Bombay Bicycle Club, from their formation and early years through their rise to fame and eventual breakup.
Formation and Early Years
The Bombay Bicycle Club formed in 2005 in Crouch End, North London. The founding members were Jack Steadman on lead vocals and guitar, Jamie MacColl on guitar, Ed Nash on bass, and Suren de Saram on drums. The four teenagers met while attending University College School in Hampstead. Steadman came up with the band’s quirky name after discovering an Indian restaurant called Bombay Bicycle Club.
The band started out playing gigs at small local venues like The Old Queens Head. Their energetic live shows incorporating multiple instruments quickly earned them a following on the North London indie scene. In 2006, they released their debut EP “The Boy I Used to Be.” The EP drew the attention of indie label Mmm…Records, who signed the band in 2007.
Early Recordings and Breakthrough
After signing to Mmm…Records, the Bombay Bicycle Club continued to hone their sound on a series of EPs and singles. Tracks like “Evening/Morning” and “Lamplight” mixed folk, punk, and world music influences. Their eclectic style earned them comparisons to bands like Vampire Weekend and the Pixies.
In 2008, the band released their debut album “I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose.” The album earned them critical praise and established their reputation for creativity and musical diversity. Standout tracks included the afrobeat-tinged “Dust on the Ground” and the jazz-folk of “Cancel on Me.”
The Bombay Bicycle Club’s big breakthrough came with their second album, 2010’s “Flaws.” The lead single “Always Like This” became their first top 20 chart hit. “Flaws” marked a shift to a more layered, indie rock sound. The album received universal acclaim and was nominated for the Mercury Prize for best album of the year.
Mainstream Success
After the success of “Flaws,” the Bombay Bicycle Club were recognized as one of the top rising indie bands in Britain. They continued to tour extensively, playing major festivals like Glastonbury, Reading/Leeds, and T in the Park. The band also started to gain popularity in America and Europe.
In 2011, they released their third album “A Different Kind of Fix.” The album debuted at #3 on the British album charts, their highest position yet. Singles like “Shuffle” and “How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep” cemented their mainstream success. Their song “Lights Out, Words Gone” was featured in commercials, TV shows, and films.
The Bombay Bicycle Club reached new creative heights on their fourth album, 2014’s “So Long, See You Tomorrow.” Expanding their sound with loops, samples and synths, the album topped the British charts at #1. Standout tracks included “Feel,” “Carry Me,” and “Luna.” The album earned the band BRIT Award and NME Award nominations.
Hiatus
After over a decade of recording and touring, the Bombay Bicycle Club announced an indefinite hiatus in January 2016. They played a series of farewell concerts that summer, culminating with a final show in November at Earls Court in London.
In their statement announcing the hiatus, the band cited wanting to pursue new projects apart from Bombay Bicycle Club. Frontman Jack Steadman said, “After ten busy years of touring and recording, we felt we owed it to ourselves to take a breather… to explore new avenues and creativity.”
The individual members went on to various solo and side projects during the band’s hiatus period from 2016-2019.
Member Activities During Hiatus
Jack Steadman:
- Formed new band Mr Jukes, releasing album “God First” in 2017
- Produced albums for artists like Liz Lawrence and Alex Vargas
- DJed around London under the name Fabulously Rich
Jamie MacColl:
- Returned to university and earned a degree in Literature
- Played guitar for artists like Gabriel Bruce and Siv Jakobsen
- Worked as a music producer and remixer
Ed Nash:
- Joined the backing band for singer-songwriter Lucy Rose
- Studied furniture design and apprenticed as a carpenter
- Solo musical project called Toothless
Suren de Saram:
- Toured as drummer for popular band The Maccabees
- Taught drum lessons and worked as a private tutor
- Started his own jazz band calledSELECTS
Reunion
After three years on hiatus, Bombay Bicycle Club announced their reunion in 2019. They played their comeback show that summer at the Wilderness Festival. In 2020, they released a new single “Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You)” and embarked on a 10th anniversary tour playing their debut album “I Had The Blues” in full.
In January 2022, the band released their comeback fifth album “Everything Else Has Gone Wrong.” The album explored themes of disconnection and nostalgia, and featured their biggest hit in years “Racing Stripes.” They promoted the album with an extensive world tour throughout 2022-2023.
Significance and Legacy
Over their 17+ year career, Bombay Bicycle Club established themselves as one of the most inventive and influential indie bands to emerge from the UK. They are credited with playing a key role in the late 2000s/early 2010s emergence of the “guitar band” indie music scene.
Critics have praised the band’s creative fusion of musical styles and genres. The Guardian described them as having a “knack for stitching different styles together into something smooth.” Through their eclectic albums and shows, Bombay Bicycle Club introduced many listeners to a diverse range of world music influences.
While the band is still actively recording and touring, their lasting legacy has already been cemented. They helped renew interest in indie guitar bands in the post-millenial era. Along with bands like Foals and Friendly Fires, they spearheaded a new wave of creative British indie music.
Conclusion
In their 17+ year career, the Bombay Bicycle Club progressed from buzzy North London indie band to mainstream crossover success story. After forming in 2005, they built a following through their eclectic sound and energetic live shows. Their 2010 album “Flaws” marked their breakthrough, leading to Brit Award nominations and sold-out tours.
After releasing four critically acclaimed albums, the band took a hiatus in 2016 to explore solo projects. They reunited in 2019 and released a successful comeback album “Everything Else Has Gone Wrong” in 2022. With their creative fusion of genres and tireless touring, Bombay Bicycle Club cemented their legacy as one of the most innovative British indie bands of the last two decades.