London After Midnight (band)
London After Midnight | |
|---|---|
| File:Lampromo.gif Left to right: Joe S, Sean Brennan, Tamlyn, Eddie Hawkins | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | California, United States |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Members | Sean Brennan Tamlyn Eddie Hawkins Joe S. |
| Past members | Douglas Avery Michael Areklett Janus |
London After Midnight (otherwise known as, LAM) is a rock music project formed in the 1990s[1] by frontman and instrumentalist Sean Brennan. The project continues on today.
The group are considered by many as a prominent part of the second generation gothic rock movement and surrounding gothic subculture,[2] this is where their largest fanbase lies. However, in interviews the band's frontman has shunned this classification and others, as "artistically limitating".[3]
Themes
The majority of London After Midnight's music follow personal, and emotional (often romantic or sexual). The music sometimes contains a sense of morbid wit with songs like "Your Best Nightmare", an Edward Gorey-esque tale.[4]
Since the late 1990s, London After Midnight have developed a hightened political focus, this however has yet to manifest itself largely into the band's music as they have not released an album since 1998. Though they had shown small shades of it in the past, for example their 1991 track "Revenge" featured political elements, along with an Adolf Hitler soundclip. (Politically, the track was not geared towards or sympathetic of nazism however).
Brennan is known for his support of animal rights, pro-environmental and human rights issues, anti-corporate control of media, and progressive, and liberal politics. Something he voices through London After Midnight internet outlets such as their official website.
History
London After Midnight formed in Los Angeles, California during 1990, and played amongst the gothic rock/deathrock club scene in the area. Debuting live at premier Los Angeles gothic rock club; "Helter Skelter".
During the earliest stages, Brennan and keyboardist Tamlyn were the only reacurring members who played live; with various guest musicians been brought in. After garnering a fanbase aided by the release of a self-titled demo, the band released their debut album "Selected Scenes from the End of the World" in 1992.
1993 saw bassist Michael Areklett joined the line-up, like Tamlyn he continued to appear live as a reacurring member, rather than a guest. Around this perior, Douglas Avery a drummer and Eddie Hawkins became members also.
Touring
Following the release of their debut album LAM expanded their L.A. fanbase to an international one, by touring Europe and parts of Latin America along with Mexico, unlike many bands in the goth movement. Coinciding with the release of their follow up album "Psycho Magnet" in 1996, London After Midnight headlined the Whitby Gothic Weekend in England and countless other concerts.
By the time Psycho Magnet was released in 1996, London After Midnight had began to mix their traditional gothic rock styling, implementing elements of darkwave and industrial rock (in appearence and music) which was popular at the time. The band continued on in this style for the their third and latest album "Oddities" released in 1998, the album features a cover of a track featured in the Nightmare Before Christmas movie named "Sally's Song".
Around this time the band featured on the cover of many magazines and even played a co-headlining slot at Zillo summer festival, with the Cure. There were nearly 25,000 people in attendance. LAM has since toured the world extensively. London After Midnight has played dates with other popular bands such as Green Day, HIM (who have cited LAM as an influence [5]), Rammstein, Soft Cell, and many others.
Recent times
The last London After Midnight album of new material was released in 1998, Brennan has stated that a new album is in the works, as yet untitled album, but after 8 years little has surfaced, frustrating some sections of their fanbase. It is planned for release in 2007. They have however, re-released all three of their previous albums in the 2000s, adding previously unreleased bonus tracks.
Since leaving the band in 2005, original bassist Michael Areklett has continued with his alternative rock project named Covet, which he has created earlier in the 2000s. It was originally planned as a side-project, but after he left LAM it became a full-time project. Covet have claimed to feature songs written by Areklett which were offered up for use in London After Midnight, but for whatever reason were not recorded.[6] As of 2006, they have released one EP titled, "Angel".
In 2006 a new London After Midnight song was released on the "Saw II" motion picture soundtrack, it featured bands such as Queens of the Stone Age, Skinny Puppy and others[7], it reached number one on the Deutsche Alternative Charts.
Members
- Sean Brennan - vocals, guitar
- Tamlyn - live keyboards
- Eddie Hawkins - live guitar
- Joe S. - live drums
Former Band Members
- Douglas Avery - live drums
- Michael Areklett - live bass
- Janus - live drums
Discography
Albums
- Revised CD released in 1995 in Europe, 1998 USA, and extended CD released in 2003 in Europe and Russian Federation.
- 1998 USA release and extended CD released in 2003 in Europe and Russian Federation.
- 1998 - Oddities
EPs
Single
- 1995 - Kiss