Not simply content to be The Retrospectives in name alone, the Sheffield band does exactly what it says on the tin. Taking their inspiration from the likes of Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, Ryan Adams, and The Rolling Stones, they are intent on bringing real rock and roll back to the UK music scene, and are doing so via a passion for snarling guitar solos, catchy nostalgia, and an infectious passion for performance.
Originally formed by guitarist Tom Galton and bassist Will Stocks, the duo exist in a scene increasingly filled with electronica and indie pop: the duo are adamant that guitars should continue to hold a vital place in pop music, and this is reflected in their sound.
Between March and July alone last year, The Retrospectives played over 60 UK gigs, illustrating their intense work ethic, which also saw them self-releasing material including singles, ‘Insane’, and ‘Gold & Green’. Their songs are the perfect fusion of modern indie and vintage hooks, and on tour the band have supported The Boomtown Rats, The Buzzcocks, Bruce Foxton’s From The Jam, Paper Aeroplanes and My First Tooth. The Retrospectives also sold out Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club.
Having earned the praises of Q Magazine, ‘one-to-watch’, The Restrospectives also scored a turn as BFBS’ ‘Record of the Week’, as well as a place in BBC Introducing Sheffield’s Top Ten Tracks of the Year. It’s only a matter of time before they become a festival mainstay.
The Retrospectives’ latest single, ‘Confusion’, will be released on June 29. It’s a strong yet simple guitar song with a great ear worm of a hook, sticking in the brain long after you stop listening. Great vocals (very reminiscent of Tom Petty) and melody combine to bring to the listener a song that could just as easily be written in the early 70s as today.
The Retrospectives will be touring throughout June to promote the new single, including a showcase at London’s Water Rats on 7 June. Contact the venues for ticket details:
7 June – Water Rats, London
12 June – Harpenden Public Halls, Harpenden
13 June – The Lincoln Imp, Scunthorpe
14 June – The Rocking Chair, Sheffield
You can find The Retrospectives online on Twitter, Facebook, and SoundCloud.
