Guillemots (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | November 2004 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Indie rock music, albums, singles |
Guillemots (stylised as gUiLLeMoTs) are an indie rock ensemble based in London, established in November 2004. Initially, the group consisted of four members: Fyfe Dangerfield, MC Lord Magrão (who remained until 2013), Aristazabal Hawkes, and Greig Stewart. The lineup includes musicians originating from England, Brazil, Canada, and Scotland.
Their first full-length record, Through the Windowpane, earned a nomination for the 2006 Mercury Music Prize. The track "Get Over It" achieved a peak position of number 20 on the UK Singles Chart in March 2008. Their sophomore album, Red, reached number 9 on the UK Albums Chart. Following extensive tours and Fyfe Dangerfield’s solo projects, the band released their third album, Walk the River, in April 2011, and subsequently their fourth album, Hello Land!, in May 2012.
Formation and early years (2004–2006)
Fyfe Dangerfield began crafting songs while living in Birmingham and Bromsgrove, performing with early bands such as Senseless Prayer, which recorded a session for John Peel’s BBC Radio 1 show in 1999. After relocating to London in 2002, he co-founded Guillemots and took on work as a music instructor.
The band’s name is derived from the seabird species known as guillemots (pronounced 'gillimott'). Their musical style incorporates unusual instruments; for instance, they use typewriter sounds on "Who Left The Lights Off, Baby?" and industrial power tools played by MC Lord Magrão to generate distinctive sonic effects.
Avian themes are a recurrent influence throughout their work, visible in the 2006 EP From the Cliffs as well as in nature-inspired tracks on their debut album. The group acknowledges Björk as a significant artistic influence. They also participated in the BBC Four documentary Why Birds Sing, contributing a collaboration themed around birdsong.
Originally signed to Fantastic Plastic Records, Guillemots released their debut EP I Saw Such Things in My Sleep in September 2005; all 1,000 copies sold out rapidly. Following interest from major labels, they secured a contract with Polydor Records. They gained early recognition by supporting Rufus Wainwright during his 2005 tour and were ranked fifth in the BBC Sound of 2006 poll. Their single "We're Here" was named "Single of the Week" on Jungalist, and they made their inaugural appearance on Top of the Pops promoting "Made-Up Lovesong No. 43".
Through The Windowpane (2006–2008)
Released on 10 July, Guillemots’ debut album Through the Windowpane reached number 17 on the UK album charts. It qualified for consideration at the 2006 Mercury Music Prize, where it was shortlisted but ultimately lost to Arctic Monkeys’ debut record Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. Critical reception was highly positive, with an aggregate score of 81% on Metacritic. Notably, Paul McCartney praised the track "Little Bear" for its "beautiful orchestration" during his appearance on Radio 1 Legends.
While working on this album, the band also produced the EP Of the Night, featuring one composition from each member. This EP was initially released online on Valentine’s Day 2006 and performed live at BBC Electric Proms alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra. It was later issued on CD and vinyl exclusively through independent record stores. The single "Trains To Brazil" was promoted as iTunes’ "Single of the Week" in September 2006, followed by a re-recorded version of "Annie, Let's Not Wait" released on 15 January 2007.
Red and Short Hiatus (2008–2010)
Their sophomore album, Red, was released on 24 March 2008, following the lead single "Get Over It" which debuted on 17 March. This single became Guillemots' highest-charting track, reaching number 20 on the UK Singles Chart, while the album itself climbed to number 9 on the UK Albums Chart. MC Lord Magrao took on production and direction duties for the videos of "Get Over It" and "Kriss Kross". The album featured a wide array of musical styles across its tracks and was regarded as a superior single-band counterpart to a typical pop compilation. Throughout 2008, the band embarked on an extensive tour, culminating in the positively received Fishbone for a Drink Tour.
Toward the end of 2008, Fyfe characterized this era as "the end of the first phase of the band." Subsequently, Guillemots entered a period of inactivity. Meanwhile, Fyfe launched his solo career with the release of Fly Yellow Moon in January 2010 and toured while maintaining ties with the group. Despite concerns that his solo endeavors might impact Guillemots' future, Fyfe affirmed ongoing collaboration during his solo promotion. The band began work on their third album on 18 June 2009; rehearsals restarted in May 2010, with recording wrapping up by late that year.
Walk the River (2010–2011)
In October, Fyfe announced via Twitter that the album was complete, with mastering finalized by November. A countdown clock on their official website led to a surprise performance on 27 January, where tickets sold out within four minutes.
Their third studio release, Walk the River, arrived on 18 April 2011, preceded by the single "The Basket," which bore similarities to tracks from Red, while the remainder of the album reflected a style closer to Through the Windowpane. Fyfe and Greig performed "I Don't Feel Amazing Now" for WatchListenTell in a woodland setting in North London.
Following the album’s release, Guillemots played secret concerts in Birmingham, London, Manchester, and Glasgow, alongside appearances at UK and European festivals throughout summer 2011. September saw them touring Europe; in October they performed four shows across Brazil and Argentina. They returned to UK venues in October and November, including Liverpool’s Stanley Theatre where they premiered "Southern Winds".
Hello Land! (2012–present)
In January 2012, Fyfe disclosed that new songs were being recorded and previewed during UK performances. On 7 May, the band revealed plans for a project titled The Emporium of Fine Things, consisting of four albums set for release in 2012. The first installment, Hello Land!, was issued that day via CD and digital download through a partnership with The state51 Conspiracy. Each album was designed around seasonal themes; although representing spring, Hello Land! was released later than intended. The summer-themed album, provisionally named On Summer Island, was scheduled for September 2012 but has yet to be released.
By April 2013, Fyfe apologized for delays caused by recording sessions split between the UK and Norway but remained optimistic about completing the series. On 11 June 2013, MC Lord Magrão announced his exit from Guillemots.
Since then, there have been no updates regarding further albums or band activities; their social media accounts have been inactive since 2015. Without any formal announcement, it appears that the group is no longer active. Fyfe Dangerfield continues to pursue solo musical projects.
Live performances
Since their formation in 2004, Guillemots have delivered numerous live shows, embarking on their first extensive UK tour in April 2006. Following the completion of their debut album and a session for BBC 6 Music in June, they resumed touring activities from October through early November.
During the inaugural BBC Electric Proms in October 2006, the group showcased seven songs accompanied by a full orchestra, with arrangements crafted by lead singer Fyfe Dangerfield. Among these was an inventive version of "Bad Boyfriend," featuring the band members donning animal masks.
Typically, Guillemots' tours feature a primary supporting act for most dates—such as Misty's Big Adventure in early 2006 and The Last Town Chorus during the autumn leg—alongside additional local opening performers. Joan as Police Woman has frequently joined them as support, a collaboration born from their shared experience opening for Rufus Wainwright.
The band has performed live alongside political songwriter Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly and acted as supporting act for Snow Patrol at Wembley Arena in December 2006. Their set included a memorable stage moment where crew members engaged in a lightsaber duel while Dangerfield played percussion.
Guillemots took part in the V Festival in both 2007 and 2008 and opened for Damien Rice at Marlay Park in August 2007. In 2008, they supported KT Tunstall during the Eden Sessions and held free concerts with artists such as Elliot Minor and The Script. They also appeared on the O2 Wireless Main Stage in Hyde Park, London, sharing the lineup with The Wombats, Dirty Pretty Things, Beck, and Morrissey.
Their June 2008 performance at Kentish Town Forum was recorded for broadcast on Channelbee. At the Latitude Festival that July, they played on the Uncut Arena stage and provided live accompaniment to a screening of David Lynch's film Eraserhead.
On 27 August 2008, Guillemots were the opening act for R.E.M. at Southampton’s Rose Bowl and later that year participated in the Orange RockCorps Gig at the Royal Albert Hall, parts of which were televised on T4.
During a Shrewsbury concert supporting Travis on 5 September 2008, local musician Miles Hammond was invited to join them onstage to play piano for "Kriss Kross," followed by percussion contributions from him and his brother Lewis on "São Paulo."
In December 2008, they performed an exclusive Super Busking event in London's Covent Garden accompanied by a synchronized light display created by United Visual Artists to benefit the homeless charity Crisis.
In February 2009, Guillemots appeared as themselves performing on the television series FM. On 13 April 2012, they were announced as headliners for Saturday at the 2000Trees Festival held in Gloucestershire.
Members
- Fyfe Dangerfield (Fyfe Antony Dangerfield Hutchins) – vocals, keyboards, guitar
- MC Lord Magrão – guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, accordion, xylophone, theremin, synth bass, typewriter, musical saw, electric drill, melodica, melodeon
- Aristazabal Hawkes – double bass, percussion
- Greig Stewart (Rican Caol) – drums, percussion
The "Bridled" Guillemots
- Alex Ward – alto saxophone
- Christopher Cundy – soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone; bass clarinet
Guest contributors
- Shingai Shoniwa (The Noisettes) – provided backing vocals on the tracks "Made-up Lovesong" and "Over the Stairs"
- Ida Maria – performed a duet alongside Fyfe on the song "Words"
Studio albums
| Album Title | Release information | Highest chart positions | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | UK Indie | BEL (FL) | FRA | IRE | SCO | |||||||
| Through the Windowpane |
|
17 | — | 88 | 178 | 60 | 19 | |||||
| Red |
|
9 | — | — | — | 93 | 8 | |||||
| Walk the River |
|
26 | — | — | — | — | 28 | |||||
| Hello Land! |
|
— | 50 | — | — | — | — | |||||
| The symbol "—" indicates absence from charts or no release in that region. | ||||||||||||
Extended plays (EPs)
| EP Title | Release details | Peak chart positions | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Budget Albums |
UK Indie |
France | ||||||||||
| I Saw Such Things in My Sleep EP |
|
32 | 49 | — | ||||||||
| Of the Night |
|
— | — | — | ||||||||
| From the Cliffs |
|
— | 22 | 151 | ||||||||
| The symbol "—" signifies no chart entry or non-release in that country. | ||||||||||||
Singles
| Single Title | Release Year | Highest chart rankings achieved | Associated Album | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK |
Belgium (WA) |
Poland |
Scotland | ||||
| "Trains to Brazil" | 2005 | — | — | — | — | From the Cliffs | |
| "We're Here" | 2006 | 156 | — | — | — | Through the Windowpane | |
| "Made-Up Lovesong No. 43" | 23 | — | — | 18 | |||
| "Trains to Brazil" (Re-issue) | 36 | — | — | 32 | |||
| "Annie, Let's Not Wait" | 2007 | 27 | — | — | 18 | ||
| "Get Over It" | 2008 | 20 | — | — | 14 | Red | |
| "Falling Out of Reach" | 49 | — | — | 28 | |||
| "Kriss Kross / Clarion" | — | — | — | 99
"Kriss Kross / Clarion" did not chart on the official UK Singles Chart but reached number 49 on the UK Physical Singles Chart Top 100. |
|||
| "The Basket" | 2011 | — | 92 | — | — |
Walk the River |
|
| "I Must Be A Lover" |
—||—||—||— |
||||||
| "I Don't Feel Amazing Now" |
—||—||42||— |
||||||
| "Fleet" |
2012 |
—||—||59||— |
Hello Land! | ||||
Further Contributions
- The Saturday Sessions: The Dermot O'Leary Show (2007, EMI) – featured the track "Made-Up Lovesong 43"
Accolades and Recognitions
- Through The Windowpane was shortlisted for the 2006 Mercury Music Prize.
- The group received a nomination for Best Live Act at the 2007 BRIT Awards.
- Red earned a nomination for Best Album Art at the 2009 NME Awards.
- "Made-up Love Song #43" was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2007 Mojo Awards.
Related Topics
External Resources
- Media and Press
- Profile of Guillemots at This is Fake DIY
- Interview with Guillemots on musicOMH.com
- Concert review of Guillemots on BBC Berkshire online
- Early interview with Guillemots on Platforms Magazine
- Interview featuring Fyfe Dangerfield and Greig Stewart at Glastonbury Festival
- Interview with Greig Stewart on Band Weblogs
- Article titled "Guillemots: Not like any other pop" in The Telegraph