Strangelove (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Bristol , England |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Strangelove was an alternative rock group originating from Bristol in 1991. The lineup consisted of vocalist Patrick Duff, guitarists Alex Lee and Julian Poole, bassist Joe Allen, and drummer John Langley. Over their career, they produced two EPs and three full-length albums before dissolving in 1998.
History
The band came together when David Francolini, drummer for Levitation, discovered street performer Patrick Duff. Francolini assembled local talent including Alex Lee (previously with the Blue Aeroplanes), Julian Pransky Poole (formerly of The Jazz Butcher), and Joe Allen. Francolini initially played drums for two shows until John Langley took over the role. Their debut track, "Zoo'd Out," was featured on Rough Trade's Single Club release in 1993. Duff’s intensely expressive singing style invited comparisons to artists such as Morrissey and Scott Walker.
Following a performance at the 1992 Glastonbury Festival, Strangelove recorded a session for BBC Radio 1’s John Peel show and released their first EP, Visionary, via Sermon Records. The title track earned 'single of the week' honors from Melody Maker. Their subsequent EP, Hysteria Unknown (1993), led to opportunities supporting Radiohead on tour; Ed O'Brien later acknowledged Strangelove as an influence.
This exposure attracted major-label interest, culminating in a 1993 contract with EMI’s Food Records. Their debut album, Time for the Rest of Your Life (1994), produced by Paul Corkett, received critical praise and enabled them to support tours with Suede and the Manic Street Preachers. Members of Suede, Brett Anderson and Richard Oakes, contributed backing vocals on Strangelove’s 1996 album Love and Other Demons. The single "Beautiful Alone" reached number 35 on the UK Singles Chart.
During this era, Patrick Duff battled addiction issues and entered rehab following the release of their second album. Late in 1996, keyboardist Nick Powell joined the group, expanding their musical palette. Their self-titled third album (1997), recorded at Abbey Road Studio Two, showcased a shift toward a more energetic sound with live studio takes such as "Superstar" and "Freak." This album produced another UK Top 40 hit with "The Greatest Show on Earth" and sold-out performances in London. Despite this success, Strangelove parted ways in April 1998. Duff later attributed the breakup to his personal struggles and desire for recovery. Although a reunion appears improbable, Duff occasionally performs stripped-back versions of Strangelove’s material solo or alongside Alex Lee.
Post-Strangelove
Following the band's dissolution, Patrick Duff briefly formed Moon before retreating to live in woodland near Bristol for two years. Discovered by Thomas Brooman of WOMAD Festival fame, he performed there and collaborated with South African artist Madosini, embarking on international tours in 2003. Since then, Duff has released multiple solo albums with sporadic involvement from former band members.
Alex Lee became a member of Suede between 2001 and 2003, toured with Placebo during 2006–07, and contributed to Goldfrapp’s albums Seventh Tree (2008) and Tales Of Us (2013), also joining them on tour. Alongside Nick Powell—who leads his own project OSKAR—Lee composes music for television and film.
Joe Allen, Julian Pransky-Poole, and John Langley formed the band Saturation Point, which released its fourth album Mechanisms in 2009 under Invada Records.
EMI issued a digital compilation of Strangelove B-sides in 2008; their Black Sessions recording from 1994 followed in 2009.
In October 2022, Patrick Duff revealed plans for his autobiography titled The Singer, chronicling his early life, tenure with Strangelove, and battles with mental health and addiction. Published on 22 November 2022, it garnered favorable reviews. Duff hosted a book launch event at Waterstones Bristol later that month.
Band members
Primary lineup:
- Patrick Duff – lead vocals, guitar, piano
- Alex Lee – guitar, keyboards, synthesizer, organ, piano, vocals
- Julian Pransky-Poole – guitar, piano, backing vocals
- Joe Allen – bass guitar
- John Langley – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Supporting musicians:
- David Francolini – drums (early performances)
- Nick Powell – keyboards, synthesizer, organ, piano, samples, guitar, vocals (joined late 1996)
Albums
- Time for the Rest of Your Life (1994), Food/Parlophone – reached UK chart position 69
- Love and Other Demons (1996), Food/Parlophone – peaked at UK No. 44
- Strangelove (1997), Food/Parlophone – attained UK No. 67
- One Up: The B–Sides (2008, digital release via iTunes), EMI
EPs and singles
- Visionary EP (1992), Sermon – awarded Melody Maker 'Single of the Week'
- Hysteria Unknown EP (1993), Sermon
- "Zoo'd Out" (1993), Rough Trade
- "Time for the Rest of Your Life" (1994), Food – named Q Magazine's "Single of the Year" in 1995; reached UK No. 88
- "Is There a Place?" (1994), Food – UK charted at No. 97
- "All Because of You" (1994), Mother Tongue Records – split single release with My Life Story
- "Sand" (1994), Food – issued as a 10" single
- "Living with the Human Machines" (1996), Food – UK No. 53; features Brett Anderson and Richard Oakes from Suede
- "Beautiful Alone" (1996), Food – reached UK No. 35
- "Sway" (1996), Food – achieved UK No. 47
- "She's Everywhere" (1997), Food – includes guest appearance by Brett Anderson
- "The Greatest Show on Earth" (1997), Food – peaked at UK No. 36
- "Freak" (1997), Food – attained UK No. 43
- "Another Night In" (1998), Food – UK chart position No. 46