Reverend And The Makers

This provocative UK indie/electro band comprises "the Reverend" (b. John McClure, 1982, Grenoside, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England; vocals), Ed Cosens (bass), Tom Jarvis (guitar), Joe Moskow (keyboards), Richy Westley (drums), Laura Manuel (vocals), and Stuart Doughty (percussion). McClure formed Reverend And The Makers in 2005 after appearing with a string of other bands. His first, Judan Suki (Japanese for "being kicked in a weak spot"), was formed early in the new millennium, and featured over 20 members, two being Alex Turner and Matt Helders who went on to form Arctic Monkeys. The band slimmed down from eight members to five, including future Reverend And The Makers bandmates Cosens and Manuel. McClure disbanded Judan Suki in 2004, and immediately after formed 1984, named after the George Orwell book. This band was short-lived, owing in no small part to McClure's staunch anti-Iraq war lyrics, which seemed to put record companies off. The original line-up featured Dave Sanderson (guitar), but he was replaced in July 2006 by Gledhill guitarist Tom Jarvis. The band had already supported Arctic Monkeys on their UK tour by this point in their career, and Mark Jones from the Wall Of Sound label was quick to sign them. The thrilling single "Heavyweight Champion Of The World" preceded the release of The State Of Things in September 2007. McClure's wordy tales of urban life and his effusive personality helped give the album's eclectic hybrid of punk, funk and electro extra clout.