amplifier

Amplifier are an alternative rock trio from Manchester, England fronted by singer and guitarist Sel Balamir. The band’s self-titled debut album was released in 2004 by Music for Nations. Their second album, Insider was released in Europe in 2006 on the SPV label.

History

Debut album

After forming around 1998 Amplifier toured the UK and recorded a few demos and sent promo CDs to labels and the press. After being signed in May 2002 by British label Music for Nations, Amplifier were asked to support Deftones at Manchester Apollo. After the two singles 'The Consultancy' (b/w 'Glory Electricity') and 'Neon' (b/w 'Boomtime' and 'Throwaway'), the band’s self-titled debut album was released on the 6th of June, 2004 by Music for Nations – which is a subsidiary of the larger label distributor Zomba Records – and was very well received by English media and critics. As well as the standard 10-track jewel case, the album was released as a 13-track digi-pac. The extra tracks were the two segues (Drawing No1 and No2) and new track 'Half-Life'.

The label ran out of funds and was bought-out by Sony, which was not interested in working with smaller bands. After buying the rights for the album back the band went label-hunting. In 2005, they signed a deal with SPV (Germany). The debut was re-released in May of that year with a second disc containing the three b-sides and 'Half-Life' and videos for the singles "The Consultancy" and "Neon".

Since 2005, the band has done extensive touring both in the UK and Europe. The band uses many effects pedals to create a wall of noise. In some songs vocals are distorted and Balamir samples his guitar to create a thicker sound. Reverb and delay effects often contribute to an eerie atmosphere. The EP "The Astronaut Dismantles HAL" which contains 6 songs as well as a hidden track was released on October 17, 2005. In 2006, the band playing a headline UK show at Satan's Hollow and numerous festival dates including opening the main-stage at Download Festival.

Second album

Their second album, titled Insider includes 12 tracks, three of which were posted to the band's MySpace before the album's release. The band also recorded extra tracks to be used as future b-sides. The album was released on September 29th in Germany and Austria and October 2nd in the rest of Europe 2006 on SPV in a Digipack with 12 page booklet. 'Procedures' was chosen as a radio single to promote the album and has been played by Zane Lowe on Radio One. No singles from the album will be released to the public. A video for Procedures was filmed during the bands Munich show, on the European tour.

After their own UK and European tour, Amplifier were main support for Opeth's European Tour. During their European tour in early 2007 they will be supported by the Swiss indie rock band Cloudride. Before taking time to write and record their third album Amplifier will be main support to Porcupine Tree on their UK tour in April 2007.

Future Recordings

As of March 2008, Amplifier have confirmed that they are recording their 3rd and 4th albums simultaneously, to quote "it was easier and less of a effort than having to concentrate on merely one". As of January 2009, Amplifier have confirmed that they will return in 2009 with the double album The Octopus.

Members

• Sel Balamir – Guitar and vocals
• Neil Mahony – Bass
• Matt Brobin – Drums

Discography

Albums

• 2004: Amplifier
• 2004: Amplifier (Digipack Version)
• 2005: Amplifier (Re-Issue Digipack + Bonus EP and Videos of the Singles)
• 2006: Insider
• 2009: The Octopus (TBR)

EPs

• 1999: Untitled Demo
• 2005: The Astronaut Dismantles HAL
• 2009: Eternity

Singles

• 2003: The Consultancy
• 2004: Neon
• 2005: Everyday Combat (Radio promo only)
• 2006: Procedures (Radio promo only)

External links

• Official site
• Official MySpace
• Polish fansite