English Teacher

Mercury prize winners and all around nice guys !

Written by Jodie Edwards

English Teacher, a Leeds-based indie band, have emerged as a significant player in the UK guitar music scene with their debut EP, "Polyawkward." The band has been called one of the most vital new bands as of their new and fresh voice in the the contemporary music industry. However these claims are not merely just hyperbolic. It can be reflected in their unique approach to song writing that intertwines political commentary doubled with a sarcastic undertone. The bands work can be seen to deeply resonate with the current socio-political landscape as well as still maintaining that light hearted and cheeky tone.

How the band met

The Mercury prize winning band met each other at Leeds Conservatoire and started as a pop band named “Frank” in 2018, before later in 2020 playing their first gig as “English Teacher”

The group consists of Lily Fontaine on vocals, Douglas Frost on drums, Nicholas Eden on bass and Lewis Whiting on guitar. Each member seems to add their own unique spin to the music, highlighting just how special they are as a band.

This might be Texas

The bands album “ This might be Texas” is what won them the prestigious Mercury prize award. The Judges stated how heir album really stood out not only for its sheer “ originality and character” and displayed “ a fresh approach to the traditional guitar band format.”

The bands prize winning album is something of a future classic and reflects Fontaine and her upbringing in East Lancashire. What I find ever so powerful is how they address topics such as social deprivation, politics, love, identity and even grief. There is such a balance of great music and well crafted lyrics, something of which English teacher have down to a fine art without too much to overwhelm the listener.

what makes English Teacher stand out?

This can be displayed through the bands most popular track ‘ The Worlds biggest paving slab’ ( one of my favourites.) Take the lyrics “I am the Bank of Dave, Golden Post box and the festival of R&B. I'm not the terrorist of Talbot Street.” These significant references to popular culture such as “The bank of Dave” Helps to create a connection to the audience . We can immediately be grounded in a particular time and place and therefore feel a connection when listening to their incredible and thought provoking music.

Humour

Humour is also such huge aspect of English Teacher and some may say one of their most appealing aspects. Whether its their style of vocals or lyrics with a humorous undertone, each track is full of quick and witty sarcasm. After all the band are a group of great friends making music together and having fun.

Later with Jools Holland performance

You know that you have made it in life if you get to perform on Later with Jools Holland!

STARZINE’S favourite tracks

Go check them out !