I Was a Cub Scout
| Company type | Musical duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2005 in Nottingham, England |
| Defunct | July 2008 |
| Headquarters | Nottingham , England |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
I Was a Cub Scout was a synthpop and indie rock duo hailing from Nottingham, England, composed of Todd Marriott (vocals, synthesizers, guitar; previously with Through Winter) and William Bowerman (drums; formerly of Sixteen Hours). The group was active from 2005 until their dissolution in July 2008.
History
The project began in June 2005 when Marriott started the band, with Bowerman joining the following year in 2006. After their initial single release, they secured a contract with Abeano, an imprint of XL Recordings. Notable singles included "Pink Squares" released in November 2006, followed by "I Hate Nightclubs" and "Our Smallest Adventures" throughout 2007.
In 2007, they issued a compilation of their early singles titled Iwasacubscout. Their first full-length album, I Want You To Know That There Is Always Hope, was released in February 2008. This album was preceded by a re-release of "Pink Squares" as a double A-side alongside "Echoes", which peaked at number 71 on the UK Singles Chart. Critics praised the album for its infectious synth-driven melodies and hopeful lyrical themes, which helped elevate the band’s profile.
Touring plans to promote the album were interrupted when Marriott suffered an injury during a performance in Southampton. To enhance their live shows, the duo incorporated additional musicians on tour: James Spence (from Rolo Tomassi), Daniel Mothers (associated with Reno Dakota and Franko Fraize), and Sam Hudson (of Youth Movies).
Their subsequent single "The Hunter's Daughter" was pulled from release after the band announced their breakup in June 2008, attributing it to ongoing difficulties experienced over the prior year. Nevertheless, they fulfilled their scheduled UK tour dates through July.
Post-split activities
After disbanding, Todd Marriott went on to form YGT, an electronic duo with Tom Mclean. William Bowerman founded the instrumental ensemble Brontide and continues working as a live and session drummer for La Roux, also touring with Summer Camp. Additionally, Paul Mullen (from yourcodenameis:milo) revealed plans to collaborate with Bowerman and Gordon Moakes of Bloc Party.
Studio albums
- I Want You to Know That There Is Always Hope (2008), Abeano
Compilations
- Iwasacubscout (2007), Abeano
Singles
| Year | A-side | B-side(s) | UK Singles Chart | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | "That's Not A Crate, That's A Box Of Heaven" | "Part Two" | ||
| 4 September 2006 | ||||
| 2006 | "Pink Squares" | "Teenage Skin" | 119 | 27 November 2006 |
| 2007 | "I Hate Nightclubs" | "Oh What a Fiasco!" | 116 | 12 March 2007 |
| 2007 | "Our Smallest Adventures" | "Our Smallest Adventures" (GoodBooks remix) | ||
| 3 September 2007 | ||||
| 2008 | "Pink Squares" | "Echoes (live)" | 71 | 4 February 2008 |
| 2008 | "The Hunter's Daughter" | "Worker Bees", "Close to Me" | ||
| 16 June 2008 |