The Telescopes

Country of Origin

Styles

Noise, Psychedelic Rock, Rock, Space Rock

Merchandise and Music (Referral Links)

Biography

The Telescopes are a British psychedelic rock band formed in 1987 by Stephen Lawrie in Burton upon Trent, England. Known for their experimental approach to sound, the band blends elements of shoegaze, noise rock, and space rock, often pushing the boundaries of conventional rock music with their heavily distorted guitars, hypnotic rhythms, and ethereal vocals.

Initially emerging from the UK’s burgeoning indie scene in the late 1980s, The Telescopes quickly gained attention with their debut single Forever Close Your Eyes on Cheree Records, followed by a string of releases that established them as pioneers of the British shoegaze and noise rock movements. Their early work, characterized by intense feedback and abrasive sonic textures, drew comparisons to bands like My Bloody Valentine and Spacemen 3. The band's 1989 debut album, Taste, is widely regarded as a landmark release in the shoegaze genre, known for its raw, aggressive sound and dense layers of noise.

In 1991, The Telescopes signed to Creation Records and released their self-titled second album, which marked a shift in their sound towards a more melodic, spaced-out aesthetic. This record, featuring lush arrangements and dreamlike atmospheres, showcased the band's ability to evolve while still maintaining their experimental edge. Despite critical acclaim, The Telescopes disbanded in the early 1990s due to creative differences and a changing musical landscape.

Stephen Lawrie revived The Telescopes in the early 2000s, and the band has since released several albums, continuing to explore new sonic territories. Their later work delves into more minimalist, drone-like structures, with an emphasis on mood and texture over traditional song forms. Albums like As Light Return (2017) and Exploding Head Syndrome (2019) illustrate their ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of psychedelic music.

Over the decades, The Telescopes have maintained a cult following and are regarded as influential figures in the psychedelic and shoegaze scenes. Their ever-evolving sound has earned them a reputation as fearless sonic explorers, continually reinventing themselves while staying true to their experimental roots.

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Upcoming Concerts

Date	Time	Venue	City	Country
October 6, 2024	21:00	Radar Estudios	Vigo	Spain
October 4, 2024	20:00	Sala Upload	Barcelona	Spain