Bonding over their love of Mötorhead, Punk Rock and guitar bands, Ethan Proctor and Henry Matthews met in their early teens; though it wasn’t until they met again years later that they began to play in a band together. For a small town, their home had a thriving music scene for touring acts, and it was at these shows they met Josh Redman-Thomas and Tom Farkas. After creating their first EP, it was DIY touring and time on the road that really helped develop their sound. The band met Chess Williams here, who soon after joined to complete the line up. Now a vast melting pot of influences from Bombay Bicycle Club and Radiohead, all the way through to The Wonder Years and Queen, Bridges aim to create music that is innovative, emotive and relatable.
Frontman Ethan's warm vocals instantly reminiscent of Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchison or Manchester Orchestra's Andy Hull, although it’s within the bands synergy where they really shine. The sound is melodic with thought provoking lyrics, following a mantra of honest writing that brings the stories to life. They are an outfit that values the importance of holding back so a moment connects, just as much as the release of crashing waves of synthesisers and distortion.
Following a tour support with The Slow Readers Club and performances at a number of festivals that summer including Glastonbury, Bridges recorded and produced their second EP with Dan Young (October Drift) at Temple Studios. Mixed by James Kenosha (Dry the River/Dinosaur Pile Up), the songs follow a theme of aspiration, openness and communication. Mental health awareness and positive conversation are important ideals to both the band and the community that is building around them. At the end of 2020, the band released ‘Until now’, a collection of their first two EP's and singles on limited edition vinyl.
While 2020 was a set back for most, Bridges used the time to learn how to record and produce their music from home. After producing a number of songs with help from Ash Scott (Memorist) and Ivan and Frazer Proctor (China Bears), they mixed the whole project with engineer Joe Marsh. Though almost entirely recorded in bedrooms, the result is far more complete than expected. An album ready, though not yet wanting to release a full body of work, the band selected a number of these tracks to release through 2021.
"Born in the same house as Frightened Rabbit and The Gaslight Anthem the quintet clearly have their eyes set on filling the stadium-sized hole their songs demand."
Far Out Magazine
"Bridges are masters at beautifully crafted indie-folk music that tugs on the heartstrings with tender vocals, sparkling compositions, and captivating lyrics. The band are a showstopping talent waiting to be discovered."
God is in the TV
"Soft, supple songwriting with a dark edge"
Clash Magazine
"BFF is a soaring emotional beast that melts your heart"
Tap The Feed
"Alternative indie which is full of raw, heartfelt expression"
It's All Indie
“Always feel like these guys are deserving of big spaces, festivals... hopefully we will see that soon!”
Harriet Robinson, BBC Introducing