Shed Seven released their debut album 'Change Giver' in 1994, but after their official breakup in 2003, it seemed their short-running career had dwindled to the point of no return, leaving fans with little hope. Following the brief hiatus, the band reunited in 2007 for a greatest-hits tour. While this was a step in the right direction, there were no expectations of new music from the Britpop band; that is, until 2017, when they shocked fans by releasing 'Instant Pleasures', 16 years after the release of their previous album.
Truthfully, I was never particularly interested in their music - they were certainly not the most exciting band on the scene while I was growing up. I had, of course, heard their top tracks - who hasn’t heard the beautifully nostalgic 'Chasing Rainbows'? But as a wannabe-popular 12-year-old, ‘British Dad Music’ definitely wasn’t my top genre. However, as I grew up and music trends changed, I came to realise one thing: Britpop had become 'cool' again.
Seven years later, Shed Seven have become one of just 20 acts to ever claim two Number 1 albums in a calendar year. Other acts in this prestigious line-up include The Beatles, Elton John, Queen, Led Zeppelin, and David Bowie. In January, 'A Matter Of Time' was released, which topped the charts 30 years after their debut album came out – an unexpected feat for a 34-year-old band that had previously never achieved this position. Their exciting comeback hadn’t reached its full potential though, which was demonstrated when they released 'Liquid Gold' on the 27th of September. In an unpredictable turn of events, Shed Seven topped the UK charts for the second time this year, after battling Bring Me The Horizon’s 'POST HUMAN: NeX GEn' for the coveted top spot.
On the 4th of October, the band played an intimate, acoustic gig at Beyond Vinyl Newcastle, and are currently touring the UK, returning to the North East at the end of November.