The band *Armstrong are a British rock group who play a blend of pop, rock and punk. They released their first single 'Can't Go Back' in 2005 with Organic records before releasing the follow up single 'Re:invent the Scene'. In January 2008 they won the UK showcase on slicethepie.com who awarded them £15,000 to write and record an album that will be released in the summer of 2008.

Members

Tim Talbot<br />
Jay Armstrong<br />
Harry Armstrong<br />
Sam George<br />
John Atkins<br />

History

The band began after Jay Armstrong sent Tim Talbot some tracks that he had written with his brother Harry and their cousin Ed Budden to sing on. Tim immidiately recognised the potential in the project and over the course of 2005 the two sent each other music back and fourth over the internet. Jay had moved back to Hong Kong but in June 2005 returned to England to begin work on the band. The two hired John Atkins who they had met at school. Harry and Ed were still at school and so were unable to join. The band have been through a reported 12 members in less than 2 years, with many people falling away due to the punishing tour schedule and unstoppable drive of Tim Talbot's managerial style. In 2006 Sam George joined the band after seeing an advert at his music course newsletter at Leeds University. A few weeks later Harry Armstrong finished school and was drafted in to play bass.

Time Line

July 2005: The band had their first rehearsal at Jay and Harry's home in Norfolk

July 2006: Debut single rockets to 65 in the UK Singles Midweek Chart, before soaring to 23 in the UK Independent Chart

Sept 2006: *Armstrong play homecoming show to a sold-out crowd with The Sunshine Underground

Dec 2006: Leeds Music Scene pick *Armstrong as a hot tip for 2007 in a yearly review

Jan 2007: *Armstrong sell out The Fly, London

Feb 2007: *Armstrong embark on mini-tour with Lost Alone

Feb 2007: Kerrang! rave about *Armstrong in a live review

March 2007: *Armstrong support The Pigeon Detectives in a sold out show at The Zodiac

March 2007: *Armstrong sell out The Barfly, London

May 2007: *Armstrong support Elliot Minor at The Cockpit, Leeds

June 2007: *Armstrong selected as a finalist in the Futuresound competition

July 2007: *Armstrong record EP with Headroom Productions (Kaiser Chiefs, Pigeon Detectives, Motion City Soundtrack, Grammatics)

August 2007: *Armstrong selected as a finalist in Radio Aire Leeds Fest competition

October 2007: *Armstrong support Elliot Minor and Enjoy Destroy at Leeds Met

December 2007: *Armstrong play sold out gig at The Cockpit with You Me At Six

January 2008: *Armstrong win the UK showcase on www.SliceThePie.com and are awarded £15,000 to write and record their debut album due for release in the summer of 2008.

Singles

Their first single release was 'Can't Go Back' which, due to extensive touring and self-promotion peaked at number 65 in the UK chart. 'Re:invent the Scene' was released on the back of that and also did well. These were both released on Organic Records, a small london based digital label with no distribution.

Recent news

Armstrong are due to go into the studio with producer, Matt Peel, to
record their debut album in July 2008. Rumour has it that the LP has
been given the working title of "Invictus Maneo" and will include an
selection of the band's old songs (such as live favourite 'Scars
Stories' and 'Can't Go Back') alongside new songs written specifically
for the album ('Spirals', 'Two Months Waiting', 'Hardest Day').