Last updated: 17 November 2008
The Hot Puppies came out of Aberystwyth with great stage presence and an armful of tunes.
Prior to forming in Aberystwyth (they relocated to Cardiff in January 2005), Ben, Rupert and Luke were in a band called Soulhive Movement, who released a single on the Greenwich label Pearls For Swine. Meanwhile, Beth Gibson was playing cello for orchestras in England and Wales and former Westcountry resident Becky was studying drama at Aberystwyth University and singing in a band called LRF (Low Resolution Fox).
Members
- Becky Wood: vocals
- Beth Gibson: keyboards, vocals, theremin
- Luke Taylor: guitar, vocals
- Ben Faircloth: bass
- Bert Wood: drums
Their quality shone through quickly. In February 2003, The Hot Puppies were the surprise hits on a Radio 1 live bill which saw them effortlessly outclassing both Gabrielle 25 and headliners The Keys.
Their initial demo The Future Is Such A Beautiful Place was followed by the All Washed Up EP, a promising and self-assured blast of guitar pop about a dead-end life in a small town. In June 2003 The Drowsing Nymph was released, and was the second single from the Remote Control singles club. Both thrillingly recall such luminaries as Blondie, Low-era Bowie and Elastica.
Thanks largely to Luke Taylor's witty songwriting and Newman's dramatic onstage presence, The Hot Puppies are one of the best new bands to have emerged from Wales in a long time. Crucially, in Becky Newman they have as compelling a frontperson as any band could hope for. With a bittersweet suckerpunch of seductive vocals, a striking image and infectious songs, it's an irresistible mix.
Their third single, Dawn Of Man, emerged in March 2004, and the faultless Green Eyeliner followed on Bath's excellent Purr label.
In September/October 2005, the Puppies embarked on their first UK tour, supporting Art Brut to great acclaim. It was a taster for a fifth single, Terry/Love In Practice, Not Theory, the first release from Label Fandango, co-run by Fierce Panda, the legendary indie label which signed the Hot Puppies in January 2006. The single promptly sold out, and let to a more permanent partnership with Fierce Panda.
After tours with The Chalets and The Crimea, the band released another single, The Girl Who Was Too Beautiful, a tale of obsession based around a letter to Observer agony aunt Mariella Frostrup, who promptly became part of the band's growing fanbase.
The band's debut album, Under The Crooked Moon, was released by Fierce Panda in July 2006. With a natural born talent for writing joyous, timeless pop and a reputation as an incendiary live act, The Hot Puppies star will rise.
