The New English
| Company type | Indie band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Defunct | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Surrey , England |
| Products | Indie guitar-pop music |
The New English were an indie guitar-pop ensemble from Surrey, England, active from 1986 until 1988. Distinguished by their melodic compositions and a strong DIY ethic, they regularly performed throughout London and other parts of England. Their sole television appearance occurred in August 1987 on the BBC programme Network East.
History
The group's inception dates back to December 1983 with vocalist and acoustic guitarist Johnny Rasheed (Moorad Choudhry) teaming up with guitarist Shareef C to form the duo ''Years of Backwater''. After playing one live show in July 1984, the project ended due to complications with their drum and bass machines.
In May 1985, Rasheed and Shareef reunited, this time adding bassist Dave Beech, a schoolmate, and adopting the name ''The Fallen Idols'', utilizing a Korg drum machine. Although they produced demo recordings, they never took the stage publicly. By May 1986, they rebranded as ''The New English'', but shortly after Dave Beech departed; Rasheed shifted to bass duties while John Cadogan-Rawlinson ("Joz") joined as lead singer. After performing three gigs, Joz left to pursue a modeling career, leading Rasheed to resume lead vocals.
The band continued crafting demos employing a Sequential TOM drum machine and expanded their lineup in April 1987 with drummer Sara (Sarah Hughes). This formation recorded two tracks, "This Evening" and "Get Ready," for BBC's Network East, though only "This Evening" was aired.
Following Sara’s departure in September 1987, the band reverted to live performances using an Oberheim DMX drum machine. Despite attracting interest from independent labels such as Subway Records and Go! Discs, The New English were unable to secure a recording contract and ultimately dissolved in March 1988.
Musical equipment
Johnny Rasheed played an Ovation acoustic guitar, a Cimar Precision electric bass replica, and used Carlsboro amplifier equipment.
Shareef C initially used a Fender Jazz bass before switching to an Eccleshall model inspired by the Gibson ES-335, amplified through a Peavey amplifier.
Reunion and later projects
In February 1990, The New English briefly reunited for a single gig at Bazooka in Bonn, Germany, arranged by Rasheed’s college associate Nik Slater. Their performance included a minimalist rendition of "Get Ready," featuring only guitar, bass, and vocals.
By December 1991, Rasheed and Shareef formed an acoustic duo called ''The Internationalists'', performing stripped-down sets without bass or drums. Active until 1993, they appeared on BBC Radio Berkshire in February 1992; however, no recordings of this broadcast are known to exist. Their last live appearance was at the Bracknell Festival in July 1997.
From 1991 through 1993, Johnny Rasheed also played bass for ''Those Meddling Kids'', alongside Andy Brown (vocals, guitar) and Andy Green (drums). The group toured southeastern England but disbanded without obtaining a record deal.
In April 1993, Rasheed recorded a solo album entitled ''Inspiration'' at Blockhouse Studios in Stratford, London for Jackfruit Music (catalogue JRJF001). The album featured contributions from Berkshire-based musicians including Robb Johnson, Aubrey Braithwaite, Simon Tarry (The Rileys), George Whitfield (Press Gang), and Gemma Townley (Blueboy). Released in May 1993, the CD is now out of print and considered rare. One track from the album, "George Harrison," remains accessible online.
Performance
- Tunnel Club, Greenwich – 28 October 1986
- The Tramshed, Woolwich – 11 November 1986
- The Harlequin, Peckham, London – 15 November 1986
- Mad Hatters, Southport – 3 February 1987
- Le Beat Route, London – 23 February & 15 June 1987
- Paradise Club, Reading – 15 May 1987
- Wimbledon Festival – 11 July 1987
- Sir George Robey, Finsbury Park (opening act for Frank Chickens) – 25 July 1987
- Dingwalls, Camden – 16 August 1987
- The Old White Horse, Brixton – 27 August 1987
- Edge Hill College, Ormskirk – 16 October 1987
- Sipson Community Hall, Middlesex – 7 November 1987
- St David's Hall, Reading – 23 November 1987
- Rock Garden, London – 7 December 1987
- Polytechnic of Central London – 11 January 1988
- Zeetas, Putney, London – 10 February 1988
Television and radio
- BBC Network East, August 1987 – Delivered a live performance of "This Evening" (aired) and "Get Ready" (not broadcast)
- BBC Radio Berkshire, February 1992 (The Internationalists) – No known recordings exist
Discography
- Inspiration (1993, Jackfruit Music, CD, JRJF001) – Johnny Rasheed’s solo album
Demo recordings
- The Day After Tomorrow
- This Evening
- You Make My Day Shine
- Get Ready
- You Make My Day Shine (re-recorded in 1999)