Spector, you know, that five-piece from London with the guy who wears those glasses. Well now, that five-piece is a four-piece and the guy who wears those glasses, still wears those glasses, but things are changing and no longer are Spector only going to be perceived as that bit above average indie band, but something that possesses real maturity and brilliance.
Formed back in 2011 by lead singer Fred Macpherson; along with Jed Cullen, Thomas Shickle, Danny Blandy and the now departed Chris Burman, Spector exploded onto the scene with their soon to be set closer, 'Never Fade Away'. Followed up by another four singles, including 'Chevy Thunder' and 'Celestine', as well as an EP, Spector entered a period of euphoric pre-debut album hype. Appearing on Later... Live with Jools Holland, and with their second slot in as many years confirmed at Reading and Leeds, Spector embarked on their first UK headline tour, of which was swiftly followed up by hitting the road with Florence & The Machine in March of 2012. It wasn't long until their debut arrived, 'Enjoy It While It Lasts' was released on the 13th August 2012 and managed 13th in the Official Album Chart, not bad for your average indie band. Extensive gigging followed, before the time came that Chris Burman left the group and the Spector love dwindled away. Qouted recently in NME suggesting that they never expected there to be a second album, we'd have to agree, the wait has been extensive. Apart from the rather un-followed up 'Decade of Decay', Spector began an era of silence.
It wasn't until the 8th December last year that Fred and co. returned, unveiling new track 'Don't Make Me Try' via Zane Lowe on BBC Radio 1. Its reaction was mixed, but all the doubters soon re-kindled their love when new single 'All The Sad Young Men' was released back in February. It's a track that signifies Spector's new intent, as previously stated, no longer are Spector only going to be perceived as that bit above average indie band, but something that possesses real maturity and brilliance and 'All The Sad Young Men' epitomises this. 'Bad Boyfriend' and its b-side 'Strong Look' soon followed, two yet again less boisterous and eccentric tracks like those of the past but two tracks that without doubt drew in a more broader crowd to strengthen Spector's new onslaught. 'Kyoto Garden' was also released via Topman last week, another track that is only going to without doubt raise the hype even more for the as yet untitled second album. Spector now have a number of pre-released tracks from the forthcoming album out there, and with more and more sneaking their way into the bands live sets, it must only be a matter of time before we're treated to a date.
Not only is there an album to come, there's an era. With live shows already announced for 2015 and a tour soon to follow, Spector are hoping to go one step further this time and we doubt their capabilities very little. I was fortunate enough to catch Spector's Live at Leeds set earlier this year, with that being my second time of seing the band. It was an incredible performance, it was clear to see that their sound and their stage presence has come a long long way. Don't be surprised if you catch Spector making their way up the industry's metaphorical pyramid in months to come, as by the release date of the second album; Fred, Jed, Thomas and Danny will have become a real force.
Spector performing 'All The Sad Young Men' at Live at Leeds 2015: