The Night Café (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Liverpool , England |
| Products | Music (albums, extended plays) |
The Night Café was an indie pop group originating from Liverpool, England, formed in 2014 by Sean Martin (vocals and guitar), Josh Higgins (guitar), Arran O'Connell-Whittle (bass), and Carl Dillon (drums). Prior to their dissolution, the band produced three extended plays: Get Away from the Feeling (2017), Bunkbed (2018), and For Better Days (2021), as well as their full-length album 0151 released in 2019.
History
The name of the band draws inspiration from Vincent van Gogh’s artwork, The Night Café. The members came together during their secondary school years, bonding over mutual musical tastes including bands like Title Fight and Kings Of Leon.
Their initial singles, "Growing Up" and "Addicted," were recorded at Liverpool’s Whitewood Recording Studio with producer Robert Whiteley. The group’s first EP, Get Away From The Feeling, was unveiled in 2017, which led to touring opportunities supporting Sundara Karma. Their sophomore EP, Bunkbed, followed in 2018.
On 8 May 2019, The Night Café revealed plans for their debut album 0151, officially released on 23 August 2019. Their last EP, titled For Better Days, arrived on 22 April 2021; Martin characterized it as embodying optimism during a difficult period.
Death of Sean Martin
Prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, lead vocalist Sean Martin had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had previously attempted suicide. After contracting COVID-19 in 2020, he developed persistent migraines that necessitated a hiatus from performing. His mother, Catherine, indicated that his illness deeply affected his mental wellbeing.
In April 2022, the band canceled their participation in a tour with The Wombats due to Martin’s health issues requiring surgical intervention. Despite receiving treatment at The Walton Centre’s neurology unit, by 2023 he had reportedly lost hope for recovery.
On 3 November 2023, Martin was found deceased at his residence by his parents; suicide notes were discovered at the scene. His death was determined to be suicide by hanging. The band announced his passing on 6 November at age 26, describing him as "not just our band mate, he was our childhood best friend." The Wombats also expressed condolences, referring to him as "the nicest, most lovely guy to have around on tour."
Martin’s funeral service took place on 24 November at St Mary’s Church in Liverpool, followed by cremation at Springwood Crematorium. In April 2024, his mother organized a charity walk raising over £5,000 for The Migraine Trust. By February 2025, she confirmed the band's breakup while sharing a reflective article on Martin’s mental health struggles and enduring influence.
Studio albums
- 0151 (2019) – Peaked at No. 84 on the UK Albums Chart
Extended plays
- Get Away from the Feeling (2017)
- Bunkbed (2018)
- For Better Days (2021)