Help She Can't Swim
| Company type | Indie/art rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Southampton , England |
| Products | Albums, EPs, singles |
Help She Can't Swim was an indie/art rock group originating from Southampton, England, established in 2003. Their discography includes multiple singles released through Fantastic Plastic Records, alongside one EP and two full-length albums. Before partnering with Fantastic Plastic, the band put out the Suck Our Band EP on Vacuous Pop; this project began as a demo but was officially released following significant interest from the label. Initially composed of five members, founding guitarist Tom Baker departed in 2006 prior to the launch of their sophomore album, The Death of Nightlife, although he participated in much of its recording sessions. On 26 May 2008, the band communicated their disbandment via their Myspace blog, explaining that personal commitments outside the group had taken precedence despite their fulfilling experiences touring and releasing music.
In 2010, a digital collection featuring b-sides entitled B Sides was issued.
After the breakup, individual members engaged in various new musical endeavors: Tom Denney pursued solo material under the name Lonely Ghosts, performed live with Nullifier, and later established Soft Arrows in 2011 followed by Nature Channel in 2013. Leesey Frances provided vocals and clarinet on Lonely Ghosts tracks and launched Daskinsey4 in 2013. Lewis Baker contributed his drumming talents to Spaghetti Anywhere, Warm Brains, and Colours. Meanwhile, Tom Baker joined Colours, which subsequently rebranded as Great Ytene.
Following the passing of Lewis Baker in 2021, the band planned special reunion performances scheduled for 2023 as a tribute gesture, with all proceeds directed to St Joseph's Hospice located in London.
Band members
- Tom Denney – vocals, guitar, keyboards
- Leesey Frances – vocals, keyboards
- Tim Palmer – bass guitar, keyboards
- Lewis Baker – drums
- Tom Baker (2003–2006) – guitar, bass, keyboards
Albums
- Fashionista Super Dance Troupe – December 2004
- The Death of Nightlife – May 2007
- B Sides – January 2010
Singles
- "Bunty vs Beano" – September 2004
- "I Don't Need You" – March 2005
- "Midnight Garden" – March 2006
- "Hospital Drama" – March 2007
EPs
- Suck Our Band – June 2004
- Committing Social Suicide – December 2005
- Pass The Hat Around – November 2007