PIN UPS
‘Non conformist, in-your-face and slick as anything’ - It’s All Indie
ONLINE
Spotify - Facebook - Youtube - Instagram: @pinupspinups
BIO
(For a short bio, head here)
After a chance phone call with a friend-of-a-friend brought brothers Jesse and Louis Baker together with Joshua Gibbs, the foundations for Pin Ups’ idiosyncratic sound was set. Hailing from the Norfolk countryside and London respectively, the three’s mixed bag of location, influences and personalities have formed a unique dynamic, omnipresent in everything they do. Citing influences ranging from Rick James to The Cramps, from The Horrors to pretty much anything Damon Albarn has done, their music is suitably unpredictable; self-defined as 'Wonk Rock'.
Emerging from the ashes of Gibbs' ex Falmouth-based band 'Pastel Colours', Pin Ups' early sound was defined by the lead-songwriter's transition from shoegazey psych rock to raw, unrefined post-punk. Juggling these influences produced a unique collection of songs that; when coupled with the Bakers' driving rhythm section, additional vocals and more contemporary musical influence; transcended time, feeling retro and relevant all at once. It was this that caught the ears of Little Indie Blog's roundtable when the band released their first demo 'You Make Me Feel So Sick', scoring a total of 12/15 and creating an immediate buzz around the newcomers.
The Bakers' early influence might be more attributed to the band's rambunctious live show. The trio's intensity, passion and camaraderie have made them a staple in their local Norwich scene and garnered fans across the country, earning support slots with the likes of Yak, Ugly and Buzzcocks, as well as a packed-out-the-door performance at 2019’s Wild Paths Festival and a call-back for the socially distanced 2020 edition, alongside the likes of Genghar, Indoor Pets and Another Sky.
As the band have developed over their so-far short career, writing and vocal duties have been shared throughout the members to produce a truly authentic collective. This is most evident over 2018/19 singles 'You Make Me Feel So Sick', 'Lunchtime' and 'Lazy' which find Josh, Jesse and Louis taking lead vocals on each song respectively. Managing to remain cohesive throughout their discography, this triad of lead vocals creates a refreshingly unique dynamic within the band.
Whilst currently stuck in isolation due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the band have taken this unique time to look back over their development with the release of the 'Home Demos' EP. Featuring 8 DIY recordings done at various studios/basements/kitchen tables spanning from 2014 to the present day, the EP has given the band the means to continue connecting with fans during this period of isolation, providing an honest insight into the early stages of the writing, recording and development process.
Looking forward, Pin Ups intend to head into the studio as soon as is safe to do so, armed with a wealth of new music they can't wait to release and take on the road.
Pin Ups are:
Joshua Gibbs – Guitar/Vocals
Jesse Baker – Drums/Vocals
Louis Baker – Bass/Vocals
DISCOGRAPHY
Home Demos EP
Release Date: 22nd May 2020
The Home Demos EP features a collection of 8 DIY recordings done at various studios/basements/kitchen tables spanning from 2014 - 2019. With the band currently separated in isolation due to the COVID 19 pandemic, it has provided a way for them to continue sharing music. In an attempt to keep the EP authentic, each recording retains its original mix and master recordings. Thus, each track snapshots a time or place over the last 5 years, giving listeners an insight into the early stages of the writing and recording process, and creating a timeline following the development of the band. Being produced, mixed and mastered by the band at the Bakers' Norfolk dwelling, the EP shows the band at their most raw, with a DIY attitude that runs throughout the entire collection.
Lunar Lines
Release Date: 24th April 2020
Track 02 from the Home Demos EP, Lunar Lines pulls inspiration from dark-wave artists of the late 70s and early 80s, and shows a darker side to the band's sound. Telling the true tale of a late-night bar fight witnessed by Gibbs in his hometown of London, the track's swirling guitar riffs, wonky synths and driving rhythm section create a fittingly dark, brooding world for its characters as they run wild into the night.
Turning Japanese
Release Date: 8th May 2020
Pin Ups' latest offering, Track 06 from the 'Home Demos' EP, is a cover of the 80s classic by The Vapors. After seeing the band perform the tune in their live set, London-based producer and good friend Scott Docherty encouraged them to record it with left over studio time from the 'Do You Hate Yourself Yet?' session in 2018. With the intention of capturing the effervescence of the live performance, Docherty set a maximum of three takes to record a bulk of the instrumental, with minimal overdubs added later that evening. The result is a weird, lively version of an already weird, lively song.
Lazy
Release Date: 18th October 2019
‘Juxtaposing the echoed distance and de-personalisation of Joy Division / The Stone Roses to the jangly end of the psychedelic spectrum, this London/Norwich based three-piece create a sound that touches on post-punk, but is ultimately too vibrant to really settle there.’ - Janglepophub
‘Lazy’, produced by up-and-coming London producer Ric James (Foals, YOWL, Two Tribes) presented Pin Ups at their most ambitious, ditching the 3-and-a-half minute radio song template for an 8-and-a-half minute sonic adventure. Pulling influence from 90s neo-psychedelia and acid house, it presented the band's ability to incorporate elements of dance music into their already unique sound.
You Make Me Feel So Sick/Lunchtime Double Single
You Make Me Feel So Sick
Release Date: 1st December 2018
'The trio have carved a niche of their own creating and are all the better for it... Not only one of the freshest and most exciting bands doing the rounds at present, but perhaps one of the most idiosyncratic as well' - Louder Than War
You Make Me Feel So Sick cemented the band as one to watch in 2019. Produced by Rory Attwell (The Vaccines, Palma Violets, Childhood), the single presented the band at a whole new level, proving their ability to write upbeat, infectious punk songs. Unlike the band's debut single 'Do You Hate Yourself Yet?', You Make Me Feel So Sick bypassed the audition show and worked its way up to Amazing Radio’s A-list, spending 5 weeks in their chart and peaking at number 13. The song was also used by Canon in a promotional campaign for their EOS 2000D camera in which the band also feature. See it here
Lunchtime
Release Date: 22nd February 2019
'Fun, indelible and brimming with character and life' - Born Music/CLOUT
Inspired by Donald Trump’s comments of arming teachers in order to prevent school shootings, Lunchtime's light-hearted irony is reminiscent of classic-era Pulp. Again produced by Rory Attwell (The Vaccines, Palma Violets, Childhood), the song features drummer Jesse on lead vocals, spitting out the verses and belting the band’s biggest chorus to date, suggesting ‘rack your brain, find restraint’. The song finds the band fully exploring their 90s influences, fusing britpop and hip-hop flavours whilst also incorporating the 3-part harmonies and chrous-laden guitar parts that have become synonymous with the band's sound.
Do You Hate Yourself Yet?
Release Date: 24th September 2018
'Fusing the twisted sounds of 70s/80s post-punk, 90s grunge and a pop coating, 'Do You Hate Yourself Yet?' propels itself along, cutting through a driving drum base, sharp guitar riffs and a catchy vocal line.' - Little Indie Blogs
It was debut single ‘Do You Hate Yourself Yet?’ that first tuned ears into Pin Ups, not only in their hometowns of London and Norwich, but nationwide. Helped on by Amazing Radio, the single won their ‘Audition Show’, earning the song regular radio play. Produced by London producer Scott Docherty, the lively recording immediately displayed the dynamic nature of Pin Ups' music, as well as Gibbs' unique writing style. The home-made music video also gave those who hadn't seen the band a taste of their lively performance, perfectly accompanying the song.
LIVE
Wild Fields Festival, Norwich - 12th September
Sound City Online Festival, Ipswich - 2nd October
Norwich Arts Centre w/ Pom Poko - 22nd February (TBC)
Hull Adelphi w/ PYNCH - 19th March
The Hunter Club, Bury St. Edmunds w/ The Glitter Shop - date TBC
PRESS SHOTS
MEDIA
'Combining non-conformist, in-your-face punk aesthetics with the unabashed sounds of art-rock while centering it around a slick-as-anything indie-pop mentality, Pin Ups could just be your new favourite band.' - It’s All Indie
http://www.itsallindie.com/2018/12/pin-ups-share-you-make-me-feel-so-sick.html
'Merging together effervescent indie-pop with the skittering and spiky guitar hooks of traditional post-punk, the trio have carved a niche of their own creating and are all the better for it... Not only one of the freshest and most exciting bands doing the rounds at present, but perhaps one of the most idiosyncratic as well' - Louder Than War
https://louderthanwar.com/watch-this-londons/
'Fun, indelible and brimming with character and life' - Born Music/CLOUT
https://cloutcloutclout.com/podcast/lunchtime-is-the-soaring-new-single-from-90s-throwbacks-pin-ups/
'Pin Ups do really feel like one of the freshest bands doing the rounds at present, taking a unique approach to creating their well defined and vibrant sound and bundling it in with a clear cut aesthetic and well produced visuals to boot. We’re ready for more.' - Yack Magazine
https://yackmagazine.com/2018/12/05/new-music-pin-ups-you-make-me-feel-fick/
‘Juxtaposing the echoed distance and de-personalisation of Joy Division / The Stone Roses to the jangly end of the psychedelic spectrum, this London/Norwich based three-piece create a sound that touches on post-punk, but is ultimately too vibrant to really settle there.’ - Janglepophub
STAGE PLOT/TECH SPEC
CONTACT
Jesse Baker - pupupuband@gmail.com
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