The Formality are an English indie rock band
formed in 2007 on the Wirral Peninsula. The band
consists of Alex Stenhouse on lead vocals and
percussion, Andy Cooke on lead guitar, Sam
Davies on rhythm guitar, Nick Daniel on bass
guitar and Connor Dickson on drums and
backing vocals. The Formality draws inspiration
from both Punk and Ska genres, resulting in a
tuneful guitar sound coupled with ironic and
often comedic lyrics. The founding members
of the band: Andy Cooke, Nick Daniel and
Sam Davies met in High School, heavily
influenced by bands such as Arctic Monkeys
and The Libertines. The friends set out to
make a band, Davies and Cooke already played guitar which left Nick to play the
bass guitar - “I can’t see myself playing drums, I’m really not good at multitasking.”
The trio soon went on to hire Matt Pulford to play drums and later asked Connor
Dickson to become the lead vocalist for the group. The band rehearsed in their houses
and primarily chose to perform covers rather than their own material. After musical differences Matt later left the band.
And Since Connor could already play drums; this left him to become the groups drummer. The band went on to do low key gigs
around their hometown without a lead vocalist. In late December however, Sarah Gallagher, a previous friend of Connor joined,
to perform vocals for the band. After the line-up had been announced the band performed at the Wirral’s Battle of the Bands,
in which the indie five-piece came second behind Alexis Blue.


After performances around Liverpool the band recorded their first single ‘Can’t Change Her Mind’ which was available free off
the internet. The single was released through the independent label Tankfield Records set up by associates of the band.
Soon after the initial release, Gallagher left the band. Alex Stenhouse, a close friend, formerly of 'The Candidates' was quickly
drafted in. With Sten on board the band quickly began to develop their own unique sound. Drawing on elements of Ska, Indie and
80's indie bands such as 'The Smiths' and 'The Jam', the band were able to create a fresh sound, dominated by tight arrangements
and 'Stop and Start Energy' and sharp sharp, witty vocals. With their direction established and a selection of new songs under their
belt, The Formality headed to 'Autumn Road Studios'. Particularly playing at venues such as The Carling Academy, Barfly,
The Cavern Club, Korova and The Zanzibar, the band developed a solid fanbase. Throughout their touring, the band recorded
countless demo tapes to be handed to fans at performances and which were available free off the internet to download. It was only
until July 18th The Formality unmasked their new EP at their sell-out show at the Carling Academy. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.