Playing Psychokiller on the ukulele may not be everyone’s initial idea of how the classic Talking Heads tune should be performed but for the founding members of our featured band it was the making of them. And there’s been no looking back. After a self-released EP and a string of high-profile showcases the Coventry boys are planning to release their first single through a new Coventry label. Introducing the band Hywel Roberts (vocals) and Justin Hui (guitar) decided to add to their ranks after a rapturous response to their acoustic debut. Recruited were drummer Simon, a second guitarist Rob Hinchliff and Karthic Kukathasan on bass. So in late 2002 The Sequins were born. A mutual appreciation of seminal acts like Joy Division and The Smiths has been heard ever since.  | | The sequins and a large drumstick |
The editor of Download.com’s music section said: “It’s nice to discover a band that embodies the melancholy spirit of 1986 so much that you want to bottle up their music and spray it on your hair. The Sequins manage this feat so flawlessly that even the cynics are lighting up clove cigarettes and painting their fingernails blue”. Simon may have shot-off to Manchester but sticksman Brendan Casey has subsequently filled the void with immeasurable class. Playing the music The band continues to apply their indie-pop/new wave trade nationwide. British Sea Power courted the music press last year and The Sequins opened for them recently. The Brighton band summed them by saying they “sounded like the Smiths Playing Life On Mars”. Xfm radio’s Claire Sturgess also showcased them last year as their reputation spread across the nation. Having already sold out of their self-released EP Why Do I Smile?, The Sequins are set to release a 7” vinyl single with a new Coventry label Tough Love Records later this year. A double A-side it will feature the tracks Dear Old Bill and Nobody Dreams About Me.  | | Look out - it's The Sequins |
It certainly looks set to be an exciting 2005 for the Coventry quintet. Here’s to 1986! Live and kicking You can catch the Sequins across our patch during the month. They play at the Colosseum in Coventry as part of Asian Tsunami appeal concert on Sunday, 6 February. In fact they chipped in with 19 other acts to record a charity single for the victims of the disaster in January. Six days later they play at the Cottage in Earlsdon before heading off to London to support Vincent, Vincent & the Villains. The boys return with a gig at The Nag’s Head in Nuneaton on Friday, 25 February before a Sunday evening performance in the more relaxed surroundings of Brown’s in Coventry two days later. How to get featured BBC Coventry and Warwickshire's Band of the Month feature aims to showcase the best local musical talent. If you think you and/or your band are worthy enough of a feature then email us at: coventry@bbc.co.uk or by using the address below. You can use the same address to contact us with any gig details. | 
