Friends since meeting at school aged 12, the quartet of Matthew Simms (guitar + vocals), Jack Theedom (organ + backing vocals), Paul Michael (bass) and Dimitri Sudell (drums) started making music together after migrating from their hometown of Maidstone to London for university. Adopting a DIY approach, It Hugs Back became a cottage industry, producing lovingly hand-made and hand-stitched recordings, which were released as limited edition 7” singles via Tigertrap
Records and the group’s own label, Safe & Sound.
Influenced by the intricate song-writing of Wilco, the sound layers of
My Bloody Valentine, the pop charm of The Lemonheads, the textures of Sonic Youth and the DIY aesthetics of the arts and crafts movement, It Hugs Back soon caught the eye of Too Pure Records who eventually took those early singles and released them together as a low-key eight-track EP, The Record Room (also the moniker of their home studio), to sell
on tour and through independent record stores.
Since their inception, It Hugs Back have been quietly winning over the discerning populace with their dreamy homespun indie-pop gems. In particular, they have garnered support from leading tastemakers such as Radio One’s Huw Stephens and Rob Da Bank, and as a result have already recorded sessions at the BBC’s Maida Vale studios an impressive three times.
Now firmly ensconced in their new home at 4AD (home to TV On The Radio, Bon Iver and Stereolab), It Hugs Back are finally ready to present their debut album, Inside Your Guitar, on April 6th. Self-produced in their own studio, Inside Your Guitar is the result of a year’s labour of love. It is an album that wears its heart on its sleeve as Matthew Simms’ softly spoken vocals turn the captivating guitar licks, rhythms and feedback
fuzz into something wistful, imaginative and charming.
THE BAND:
Matthew Simms (guitar + vocals)
Jack Theedom (organ + backing vocals)
Paul Michael (bass)
Dimitri Sudell (drums)
"Their youthfulness is showcased through the beautifully naive music they perform. Hushed vocal melodies and jangling, Wilco-esque guitars combine to astonishing effect."
Drowned In Sound
”A slight nod to My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth….one of my favourite bands.”
Rob Da Bank, Radio 1
"Kent could soon produce its very own Bright Eyes.”
NME
“Promising slacker toned dream pop.”
Time Out