The Fades were DIY heroes long before it became the latest buzz-term, and their enthusiasm is hard to escape. Perhaps it comes from the infectious energy of their blistering punk-fuelled pop. These South West Londoners are on a mission to be heard, and they know how to do it. Inspired by the spirit of grunge, brothers Dave and James Lightfoot, joined by guitarist Jonny Barnard and drummer Graham Best, started writing uniquely British punk-pop with a backbone of messed-up rocknroll. They made records in their flat with old analogue equipment picked up at boot sales. They gigged and gigged. The Fades didnt sit and wait for the big deal. They released the records themselves. And people noticed. Radio 1, XFM, 6music: they heard and they understood: It's not about a release plot, it's about great songs, total commitment and manic energy which borders on the chaotic. Each release received more attention than the last. Double a-side single 'You Say/1995' was embraced by Xfm and made the main playlist. Steve Lamacq played them on Radio 1. Xfm and 6music called on The Fades to record live sessions. And all the time The Fades gigged, honed their sound. They toured the UK with Art Brut, they played with the likes of; Mystery Jets, Mower, Dustins Bar Mitzvah, Larrikin Love and many more. All the time converting more and more people to their raucous high energy shows and sounds. Punk soul rockers. Long live THE FADES.