GROOVE ARMADA

The group formed in the mid-'90s after Findlay and Cato started their own London club night, also named Groove Armada. By 1997 they released a handful of singles, including '4 Tune Cookie' and 'At the River', and their debut album 'Northern Star' followed the next year.

A summery debut, 'Northern Star' embraced the original spirit of Balearic down tempo music, and mixed up genres with refreshing ease. From soulful electronica, Latin rhythms, swinging big beats, euphoric disco, and ambient funk, the album was a holiday mix of laid-back tracks.

1999 saw the release of their second album, 'Vertigo', which had a more mainstream and polished sound. This album included 'At The River', which after being omitted from their debut album, was re-released as a single. 'Vertigo', made the top 20 of the British charts and silver status in the UK, and the album's singles achieved similar heights, including 'I See You Baby', which was remixed by Fatboy Slim.

Due to the success of the chilled melodies and soothing instrumentals of 'Vertigo' the tracks seemed to crop up everywhere - from deodorant ads to numerous Ibiza chill-out compilations - leaving people somewhat jaded with the album by the time they had heard it for the hundredth time.

Cleverly, Groove Armada dug deeper and darker for their comeback single 'Superstylin', offering a contrast to what everyone had come to associate with the lo-fi dance duo. A dubbed-out dancehall rumble, displaying their typical command of the groove but shot through with a hint of Leftfield edginess, the single hit No 5 in the UK charts, and went on to be Grammy nominated.

The single was the first from their 2001 album 'Goodbye Country (Hello Nightclub)'. As the title suggested, the album was more upbeat and less chilled out than their previous efforts; varied, catchy, and funky all the way through.

The sassy style of 'Lovebox' appeared in early 2003, highlighting a new kind of funk for Groove Armada. Collaborative efforts with Neneh Cherry, Nappy Roots, and Sunshine Anderson added to the kitschy cultural vibe. Including a variety of genres - some tracks had a rock element to them, while others were closer to their traditional house roots - they also delved into rap, reggae and even metal loaded guitar riffs on the album.

In 2004 Groove Armada released a 'Best Of' album, including their past hits as well as new productions, and now they are back with their long-awaited fifth studio album, 'Soundboy Rock', which is due to hit shelves on 7 May.

Taking time out since their last album release in 2003, Cato made music with his side-project Rising 5, and Findlay toured with his band, Sugardaddy. Both kept up their DJing, and Cato moved to Barcelona, while Findlay stayed in North London. For a while it seemed that the Groove Armada partnership was in limbo. But in 2006, after some record label jockeying, Groove Armada signed with Columbia Records, and set to work on their new release.

Featuring a roll-call of superlative talents, the album includes contributions from Angie Stone, Rhymefest, Mutya Buena, MAD - their live MC, present and correct on every Groove Armada album to date - Hard-Fi's Richard Archer, Tony Allen, of The Good, The Bad and the Queen, Simon Lord from Simian Mobile Disco, Alan Donohoe from The Rakes, and many more.

So join us as we celebrate their return, look forward to such a star filled album, and welcome back the Groove Armada boys by making them our Artists Of The Week.

HH