British Sea Power are a four-man band based in Brighton, England. They are an indie rock band with a sweeping, often epic, guitar pop sound, often compared to that of Echo & the Bunnymen and The Smiths. The vocals owe much to David Bowie and on some songs the post-punk influence of Joy Division is clear. The band is comprised of: Yan (Scott Wilkinson ) - Vocals, guitar Noble (Martin Noble) - Guitar Hamilton (Neil Wilkinson) - Bass, vocals, guitar Wood (Matthew Wood) - Drums
British Sea Power's Yan, Hamilton and Wood are school friends from Kendal in Cumbria. They were in a number of bands together while at school, but after finishing his exams Yan moved to study at Reading University, where he met guitarist Noble. A few years later Hamilton and Woody moved down to join them and form a band.
They played some gigs in Reading as British Air Power before relocating to Brighton in search of a more vibrant music scene, as well as changing their name. In Brighton, BSP amassed a strong local following, due mainly to their own club night called "Club Sea Power". The club nights featured many different support bands, and other forms of entertainment such as a 1930s fashion show, and were most frequently hosted at the Freebutt and the Lift (the latter has now closed down).
Their debut single, " Fear of Drowning", was issued in limited numbers of their own Golden Chariot label. Geoff Travis of Rough Trade Records saw the band live and in September 2001 signed them to his label. A number of singles were issued on the label, and Eamon was recruited to play live keyboards in autumn 2002.
