Brighton’s C86-Inspired The Stanford Family Band Sign To Krautpop! Records
The Stanford Family Band
‘When Lonesome’
May 8th
Go Again EP July 17th – Via Krautpop Records
Photo Credit: Milo Costelloe
(FFO: The Lemon Twigs, Sharp Pins, Way Dynamic, Drugdealer)
“A timeless charm” – Earmilk
“Bright, bold, and buoyant energy as The Stanford Family Band inject fresh passion into a vibrant, vintage pop sound.” – Atwood Magazine
“Charming and fun, with depth in emotion, intricacies, and thoughtful intensity within the musicianship.” – Louder Than War
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Brighton’s C86-inspired, retro sunshine pop quartet The Stanford Family Band return in radiant form, announcing their sophomore EP Go Again (out July 17th) alongside the shimmering new single ‘When Lonesome’.
The Stanford Family Band extends the musical lineage of lost pop music, threading together the bittersweet glow of 60s airwaves and open-field festivals, with the glammed up intimacy of 70s singer-songwriters. Music that aches and shimmers in equal measure, carrying a sense of longing that feels both timeless and vividly alive.
The new single ‘When Lonesome’ captures this approach perfectly, referencing Queen and Todd Rungran through the band’s unique lens – displaying their part in the new wave of pastiche and retromaniacal old-school devotees such as The Lemon Twigs, Sharp Pins or Drugdealer. The track weaves together clean guitar tones, 70s-inspired keys, and beautifully placed vocal harmonies, all delivered through warm, boxy, tape-style production.
Emerging from the lingering instrumental intro, it gradually builds in layers, with Beach Boys-esque harmonies creating a sound that balances melancholy with a breezy, summery feel – packing lyrical finesse and sincerity whilst showcasing subtle yet complex musicality.
Speaking about the track, Laurence from the band explains: “I think at the time I was listening to a lot of Tommy James and the Shondells, also a lot of Carpenters, and I thought the piano break in the verses was a pretty Carpenters thing to do. I then realised that the start sounded like ‘You’re My Best Friend’ by Queen which made me laugh. A boy could only dream of those pipes.”
Having supported acts such as Love and Bananagun on tour, as well as appearing at UK festivals including Bristol Sounds, Wanderlust, Deadfest, as well as showcases across The Alternative Escape. Their second EP, Go Again, reveals a broader palette of influences than their previous release, drawing on sounds reminiscent of Karen Carpenter, CSN, and Big Star.
Produced by Harry Hayes of Spotted Horses, who also contributes to the songwriting throughout, the record carries a fondness for the melodic charm of Nilsson and McCartney, lending a timeless softness to its more yearning moments. With this EP, Stanford Family Band continues to push their sound forward through vintage-leaning production, composition, and style.
The band have also quickly gained recognition from a range of tastemakers, earning support from outlets such as Radio X, Atwood Magazine, Notion, Louder Than War, Earmilk, and A&R Factory, to name just a few.
Upcoming Live Dates:
The Oak Alt Escape – 15/05 CONFIRMED
Wanderlust – 23/05 CONFIRMED
Release Show, Brighton – 17/07
The Stanford Family Band are:
Elliot Stanford ( Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard, Bass)
Laurence Underwood ( Drums, Keys, Vocals)
Harry Hayes (Guitar, Drums, Bass, Vocals)
Patrick Corcoran (Guitar, Vocals, Bass)
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