22-20s biography

The name isn’t for a ridiculously thin measurement (“no Sir, we don’t have jeans in THAT size”) but rather the Skip James song ’22-20 Blues’. And blues, in addition to rock, folk and country, all get mixed into the British band’s melting pot of music.

Vocalist Martin Trimble and bassist Glen Bartup had played together in local Lincolnshire bands while growing up. Forming the 22-20s in 2002 along with them were keyboardist Charlie Coombes and a succession of drummers. The eclectic sounds on offer quickly appealed to Heavenly Records who signed them before the year was out. Debut single ‘Such A Fool’ was released, the band played the Coachella Festival and, continuing the numbers theme, they recorded the ’05-03’ EP which contained a variety of live tracks.

The past couple of years have seen the band becoming the opening act de nos jours, getting audiences ready for the likes of Jet, Kings Of Leon, Graham Coxon and Supergrass as well as appearing at all the requisite festivals. More singles have steadily followed – ‘Why Don’t You Do It For Me?’ and ‘Shoot Your Gun’ – and last year saw their eponymous debut album released in the UK. Astralwerks released ‘The 22-20s’ in the US earlier this year and college radio stations have latched on. No doubt that the band’s near obsession with touring will result in your hearing their material sooner rather than later.