Crackout (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Bicester , England |
| Products | Albums, singles |
Crackout was a three-member English pop punk group originating from Bicester, Oxfordshire, established in 1997. Throughout their career, they produced two albums and multiple singles, sharing tours with bands like Sum 41, Seafood, Haven, and Span before their split in late 2005.
Career
Consisting of vocalist and guitarist Steven Eagles, drummer Nicholas Millard, and bassist Rachel Lavelle, the trio were all just 16 years old when they secured a deal with Shifty Disco after only eight performances as 'Crackout' (a name inspired by 'Brian Krakow' from My So-Called Life). Within a month of being discovered by the label during a live show, they recorded and released their first single, "Chuck". Although an album was recorded at this stage, it was never issued. In 1999, Lavelle departed due to diverging personal goals and was succeeded by Jack Dunkley.
By the end of 2000, Crackout toured alongside Sick of It All and 28 Days, distributing a self-produced tape containing early versions of "Breakout" and "Joey Lost His Mind"—both later re-recorded for their debut album This Is Really Neat. In 2001, they put out two limited-edition EPs, each encased in hand-numbered cardboard sleeves sealed with wax. Their debut album This Is Really Neat was released that October, featuring cover art by Jane Wooster Scott.
Although there were intentions to release "Volume" as a single in 2002, these plans were abandoned after "I Am the One" was used in a commercial for Salomon Sports. As a result, "Volume" became the sole Crackout song without an accompanying music video.
Following some postponements, their sophomore album Oh No! came out in March 2004. Promotion for the record was cut short when EMI shut down Hut Recordings shortly thereafter. While working on material for a third album, producer Clive Langer invited them to contribute to a film soundtrack, which led to minor acting appearances in the 2006 mockumentary Brothers of the Head, adapted from Brian Aldiss's novel.
In 2005, Crackout experimented with expanding their live performances by adding Simon Plumbley on guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals during intimate gigs. After these shows, the band chose to part ways, citing time away from touring and feeling disconnected from their earlier work. They expressed gratitude to their supporters via a message on their archived website.
Post-Crackout
Following Crackout's dissolution, Eagles, Millard, Dunkley, and Plumbley formed 'Blackholes' in 2006. They released "The Alcohol EP" through their MySpace page, which included tracks performed during Crackout’s final concerts. During this time frame, Eagles, Millard, and Dunkley also appeared live with French pop group Vanessa and the O's.
In 2007, Dunkley exited due to 'creative differences' and was replaced by Alex Szrok on bass. Later that year, Blackholes changed their name to 'Out of the Afternoon', releasing their first record The Bird EP in 2008 and followed it with the single "I Won't Forget You" in June 2010. The band has since ceased activity.
In 2008, Millard temporarily filled in as drummer for The Kooks while Paul Garred was injured.
Starting in 2011, Millard pursued studies in International Agriculture at Hadlow College. By May 2013, as a mature student, he received the Pinnacle Business Management Gold Award along with the Nickerson Cup and a £2,000 grant for his project aimed at reviving artisan cheese production in Buckinghamshire after more than a century.
Eagles shifted his career towards working as a guitar technician and has collaborated with bands including The Darkness.
Albums
- This Is Really Neat (2001, Hut Recordings; available on CD, limited edition Gatefold CD, and 12" vinyl)
- Oh No! (2004, Hut Recordings; released on CD and 12" vinyl)
Singles
- "Demo Tape" (December 1997, independently released; limited to 100 cassette copies)
- "Chuck" (1998, Shifty Disco; limited edition of 1000 CDs)
- "Gig Tape" (2000, self-published; cassette recorded during the Sick of It All / 28 Days / Crackout tour)
- "EP1" (2001, Precious Cargo; limited to 500 CDs)
- "EP2" (2001, Precious Cargo; limited to 500 CDs)
- "You Dumb Fuck" (2001, Hut Recordings; issued on CD and 7" vinyl) – reached number 87 on UK charts
- "I Am the One" (2002, Hut Recordings; available as CD and 7" vinyl) – peaked at number 72 in the UK
- "Out of Our Minds" (2003, Hut Recordings; formats included CD, 7" vinyl, and DVD) – attained number 63 on UK charts
- "This Is What We Do" (2004, Hut Recordings; issued as CD1, CD2, and 7" vinyl) – charted at number 65 in the UK