Artist description The Mortimer are a band with a great retro sound whose music revolves around strong melodic ideas. Each Mortimer brings something unique to the sound of the band, yet mortimer manage to keep their songs identifiable with the music they all like to listen to.

Music Style Melodic retro pop

Musical Influences Beatles, Beach Boys, Simon and Garfunkel, Monkees, Oasis

Similar Artists Beatles, Beach Boys, Monkees, Travis, Coldplay, Semisonic, Oasis, Ben Folds Five, They Might Be Giants, Blur

Artist History The band were formed in 1996 when keyboardist Marco Bensi joined singer / songwriters Richard Kent and Ben Hampshire, guitarist Jon Lord and drummer Matt Hayday. Matt and Ben had long been friends after growing up together in Gravesend. In 1995 they met Rich and Jon at Durham University and started playing covers at colleges in the Durham area. After Marco joined they played pubs in Kent, England moving onto the London venue scene. They continued playing covers while Ben and Rich wrote songs together. With a passion for similar music they found it easy to agree on their sound and direction and Jon naturally complemented their music with his imaginative guitar work.

Group Members Ben Hampshire - vocals/guitar Rich Kent - vocals/guitar Jon Lord - vocals/guitar Marco Bensi - keyboards Matt Hayday - drums

Instruments Rickenbacker 4001v63 , Hofner violin bass, Aria Pro II, Epiphone Casino, Gibson SG, Rickenbacker 325, Seagull Acoustic, Gibson Jumbo Acoustic, Westone Spectrum II, Eko twelve string, Roland RD600 and Roland D10, Yamaha Clavinova CLP860, Akai AX73, Marshall, Vox AC30, Laney, Yamaha Stage Custom Drums, Premier Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Drums Shure mics, Sony MD4 minidisc recorder. Sonar, SoundForge 5, Lexicon MPX100, Joe Meek VC3, The Clag

Albums Fuzzy Felt EP

Press Reviews LAM Magazine July 2002: Since establishing itself as a music venue from the early 80's The Bull & Gate, 389 Kentish Town Road, NW5, has hosted many different promoters and bands. From Timebox to Nirvana, the Bull& Gate has showcased the cream of the underground music circuit. It provides a large downstairs venue with seating and ample dancing space. LAM checked it out on a Sunday evening when band Mortimer played a fantastic set. For all of you wondering what had happened to decent live music with an edge, this is what you have been missing. Mortimer have strong and insightful lyrics, excellent rhythm, and guitar licks that make you wonder why you stopped listening to those Nirvana CDs. Mortimer reminds you that rock 'n' roll is most certainly not dead. Even hip chicks like us, found our bums shaking, feet tapping and - gasp, horror - necks swinging. Great venue, great night, and Mortimer, WHEN you hit the big time, don't forget to put LAM on the guest list. For more info on Mortimer go to www.mightymortimer.com.

Location London, London - United Kingdom

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