Tribes (band)

Tribes

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	2010
Headquarters	London , United Kingdom
Products	Music albums, EPs, singles

Tribes is a London-based indie rock quartet originating from Camden Town, formed in 2010. The group consists of Johnny Lloyd (vocals, guitar), Dan White (guitar), Jim Cratchley (bass), all formerly of Operahouse, along with Miguel Demelo on drums, who has been a longtime friend of White since childhood.

After signing with Island Records in March 2011, Tribes swiftly launched their debut EP, We Were Children. The title track gained notable recognition as Zane Lowe’s "Hottest Record in the World" on BBC Radio 1. They received positive reviews from outlets such as NME, The Fly, and Clash, while also supporting established artists including Mystery Jets, The Kooks, Kaiser Chiefs, Kasabian, Funeral Party, Mona, Pixies, and even The Rolling Stones.

Their first full-length album, Baby, was released on 16 January 2012, followed by their sophomore effort, Wish To Scream, which came out on 20 May 2013. The band announced their disbandment later that year in November.

In 2020, Tribes reunited for a charitable performance and subsequently revealed plans for their third studio album, Rabbit Head, in 2023.

Formation (2010)

Following the breakup of their previous band Operahouse in 2009, members Lloyd, White, and Cratchley formed Tribes with the intention of creating a sound that was heavier and more grunge-inspired compared to their earlier experimental math-rock and indie influences. They enlisted drummer Miguel Demelo, a childhood companion of White originally from South Africa, strengthening the band’s personal dynamic.

Initial releases and touring achievements (2011)

Tribes debuted with the EP We Were Children in April 2011; its lead track’s video was filmed during a rooftop session in Camden Town. The song earned the distinction of being Zane Lowe’s "Hottest Record in the World" on BBC Radio 1. Their first single from the upcoming album, "Sappho," became available for download on 11 July 2011. Prior to the release of their album Baby, the band attracted considerable attention from indie music blogs.

In July 2011, Tribes recorded a session at BBC Maida Vale studios as part of the BBC Introducing initiative.

Throughout that summer, they played at prominent festivals such as Underage Festival, London's Field Day Festival, Tokyo's Summer Sonic Festival, and wrapped up the season with appearances at Reading and Leeds Festivals, Hull’s Freedom Festival, Jersey Live, Bestival, and Latitude festival.

In November 2011, Tribes supported The Kooks during their UK tour and joined Kaiser Chiefs on their European tour. Concurrently, they headlined a nine-date UK tour of their own.

The band also performed at XFM's Winter Wonderland event at Brixton Academy alongside acts like Ben Howard and The Maccabees. Additionally, they participated in the NME Awards 2012 Tour, sharing stages with artists such as Azealia Banks and headliners Two Door Cinema Club.

Their musical style draws inspiration from bands including Nirvana, Pixies, Pavement, and R.E.M..

Albums: Baby and Wish to Scream (2012–13)

Their first full-length record, Baby, was produced at The Motor Museum located in Liverpool and officially released on 16 January 2012.

On 10 June 2012, Tribes took part in Chazzstock, a charity festival held in memory of their late friend Charles Haddon, who died by suicide. The lineup also included notable bands such as The Vaccines and The Horrors.

The band finalized their sophomore album, Wish to Scream, in Los Angeles and made it available to the public on 30 May 2013. To promote the album, they embarked on a UK headlining tour, adding a fifth member to handle keyboards and featuring Sheffield’s Blue Lip Feel as the opening act during the initial tour dates.

Disbandment (2013)

On 7 November 2013, Tribes announced through their Facebook page that they would be parting ways after four years of activity.

Reunion and Rabbit Head (2020–present)

In May 2020, the group revealed plans for a one-time reunion concert aimed at charity, originally set for 19 December 2020.

On 23 March 2023, Tribes unveiled "Hard Pill," the lead single from their third studio album, Rabbit Head, which was subsequently released on 18 August 2023.

Band members

• Johnny Lloyd – lead vocals, guitar
• Jim Cratchley – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Dan White – guitar, backing vocals
• Miguel Demelo – drums, backing vocals
• CJ Burnett – piano, organ, wurlitzer

Albums

• Baby (16 January 2012) UK chart peak: No. 20
• Wish to Scream (30 May 2013) UK chart peak: No. 45
• Rabbit Head (18 August 2023)

EPs

• We Were Children (15 April 2011)
• "We Were Children"
• "Girlfriend"
• "Coming of Age"
• "We Were Children" (Acoustic Demo)

• When My Day Comes (7 October 2011)
• "When My Day Comes"
• "Face To Face"
• "Not So Pretty"
• "When My Day Comes" (Demo)

Singles

• "Sappho" (11 July 2011)
• "We Were Children" (9 January 2012)
• "Corner of an English Field" (2 April 2012)
• "How the Other Half Live" (February 2013)
• "Dancehall" (April 2013)

Awards and nominations

Year	Awarding Body	Work Nominated	Category	Outcome
2012	NME Awards	Tribes	Best New Band	Template:Nom