ArtistPage
Turin Brakes
Turin Brakes is an English folk rock band formed in Balham, London in 1999 by childhood friends Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian. The duo originally began making music together as a home project, drawing on acoustic and melodic influences that blended elements of folk, pop, and indie rock. Their intimate, emotive sound quickly garnered attention, leading to the release of their debut album, *The Optimist LP*, in 2001. The album received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Mercury Prize, establishing Turin Brakes as key figures in the new acoustic movement of the early 2000s. Building on their early success, the band followed up with a string of studio albums including *Ether Song* in 2003, which featured the hit single "Pain Killer (Summer Rain)" and marked their commercial breakthrough in the UK. Their sound evolved to incorporate more electric elements while still maintaining the lyrical depth and harmonic interplay that characterized their earlier work. Over the years, Turin Brakes expanded into a full band for live performances and subsequent recordings, with long-time collaborators joining Knights and Paridjanian. Albums such as *Jackinabox*, *Dark on Fire*, and *We Were Here* continued to showcase their ability to craft thoughtful, melodic music. Known for their blend of warm acoustic textures, introspective lyrics, and distinctive vocal harmonies, Turin Brakes has maintained a dedicated fanbase and remains an enduring presence on the indie music scene. They continue to tour and release music, consistently evolving while staying true to their roots in heartfelt songwriting and organic sound.
