Letters and Colours
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Defunct | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Sheffield , England |
| Products | Music (singles, compilations) |
Letters & Colours was a Sheffield-based English band recognized for merging the rhythmic elements of early 1980s new wave with disco influences. They rose to prominence amid the New Yorkshire and nu rave movements, sharing the scene with bands such as Bloc Party, Interpol, Editors, and The Departure. Drawing inspiration from acts like The Cure, Depeche Mode, and The Smiths, critics often likened them to these groups as well as to Joy Division, Echo & the Bunnymen, Bauhaus, Artery, and Comsat Angels. Their sound was characterized by a dense, repetitive rhythm foundation paired with melodic guitar lines and evocative vocals, forging a somber yet dance-friendly style frequently termed "noir pop." Established initially as a duo in 2003 before expanding to a quartet, the band dissolved in August 2007.
Career
Formed in late 2003 at Sheffield Hallam University by David Jaques (guitar, programming) and Gerry Poole (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Letters & Colours toured venues across northern England, including Sheffield’s The Leadmill and Liverpool’s Barfly, cultivating a dedicated following. Early in their career, they utilized Myspace to offer free music downloads, positioning themselves among the pioneering bands—alongside the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah—to expand their audience through online platforms. Their initial performances combined programmed drums with guitars and vocals, though live shows were somewhat constrained by the use of drum machines.
Within twelve months, the group grew to four members with the addition of Ian Baxter on bass and Paul Roberts on drums. This new lineup brought a quicker pace and more energetic live shows infused with a pop sensibility. This evolution enabled Letters & Colours to broaden their fan base, sharing stages with bands such as Harrisons and Little Man Tate (band), including a slot at Manchester’s In the City festival in 2005.
In early 2006, Baxter departed to concentrate on his other project, The Yell. Despite this challenge coinciding with plans for a nationwide tour and a single release on their Dead Product label, the band proceeded to record the single without him. They successfully toured with Miller covering bass duties until Ric Griffiths was brought in as a permanent bassist.
With Griffiths on board, Letters & Colours quickly crafted new songs and performed at The Plug alongside New Young Pony Club. Throughout 2006 and 2007, they headlined numerous UK venues including London’s The Fly, Leeds’ The Faversham, Liverpool’s Barfly, Sheffield University’s Fuzz Club, and appeared at Mean Fiddler’s Carling Weekend. They also featured on BBC's regional news program Look North alongside The Pigeon Detectives and earned praise from influential radio hosts on Xfm, Radio 1, 6Music, and BBC Raw Talent. Steve Lamacq highlighted them as one of his top emerging acts for 2007.
Their track "Alpha" was featured on the notable compilation Digital Penetration released by Alt Delete in 2006. In April 2007, they put out "Gaunt/Plan A" through Mother Tongue; produced by Sheffield’s Alan Smyth, it was selected as Steve Lamacq’s single of the week on Radio 1’s new music program.
Although their recognition and fanbase were expanding steadily, Letters & Colours chose to disband during summer 2007, feeling they had achieved their highest creative point.
Recordings
Singles
"Confrontation"
Issued on 18 March 2006 through Dead Product (Catalog Number: DP003). Included tracks: Side A - "Confrontation" / Side AA - "Bigger Than Life"
"Gaunt"
Released on 30 April 2007 via Mother Tongue (Catalog Number: MOTH18S). Tracks featured: Side A - "Gaunt" / Side AA - "Plan A"
Additional releases
"Chase The Bull"
Distributed in June 2006 as part of a demo compilation
"Alpha"
Launched on 7 October 2006 within the compilation album Digital Penetration Vol 1, under Alt Delete (Catalog Number: altdel004)
"Celibate Man"
Made available in 2007
"Syntax"
Released on 30 May 2007 from the album Across The Pennines II, by Across The Pennines (Catalog Number: ATP002)
"Where Cynics Prosper"
Issued in March 2007 by Mother Tongue solely as a radio promotional item
Both "Alpha" and "Syntax" were also circulated as radio promo singles by Dead Product (DP004).
Letters & Colours extended their digital presence by distributing complimentary unreleased mp3 tracks through Myspace and mailing lists.
After the split
Following the band's dissolution, Gerry Poole continued his musical career under the name Horen, while Paul Roberts performed drums with Penny Broadhurst and the Maffickers until early 2010.
In early 2011, Poole received a diagnosis of stomach cancer and publicly shared his experiences regarding Disability Living Allowance in an article for The Guardian. He passed away on 23 May 2012.