THE BAND
MIKE CONNELL
// vocals
Sublime
ANDY STREVENS
// guitar
Coriander Rejector
RICHARD GALE
// guitar
Shower Gollum
TOBY YOUNG
// drums
High Velocity
MICHAEL MCGUINESS
// bass
Goes by the name 'Billy'
“London based rock-band ‘The Breakdown’ has provided us with a sweet taste of everything with their latest single ‘The Girl in the Mondrian Dress’; whether that be 80’s permeated vocals or 00’s piquant guitar riffs, there is something for everyone within this debut dish of uniqueness.“
- Emmie Norton (RGM)
Rising like a phoenix from the ashes of a past musical endeavor, The Breakdown is a dynamic and electrifying melodic rock band that took London by storm in 2019. Four teenage friends from around the south east, serendipitously reunited after 15 years, found themselves embarking on an epic journey just three weeks before the nationwide lockdown.
Undeterred by the global crisis, The Breakdown hunkered down and poured their souls into crafting their highly anticipated debut album, 'Open the Barricades.' A true embodiment of British musical legacy, the album weaves a tapestry of modern rock with threads of timeless influences such as XTC and The Smiths. Beneath its catchy riffs, killer melodies, and nostalgic lyrics lies a raw and unapologetic exploration of the complexities of modern life.
The band's enigmatic name, 'The Breakdown,' emerged from a feverish exchange of WhatsApp messages spearheaded by Richard. As they debated the perfect moniker, they discovered that choosing a name would become one of the most challenging tasks since their reunion.
Despite the challenges of the lockdown, the band's unwavering dedication to their music saw them collaborating remotely and refining their distinctive sound. Once the lockdown lifted, they immediately enlisted the expertise of renowned producer Paul Tipler (Placebo, Elastica, Idlewild) to further hone their unique style.
Now, with the release of their critically acclaimed debut album, 'Open the Barricades,' The Breakdown welcomes the talented Michael McGuiness on bass to complete their lineup. As they gear up for a series of unforgettable London performances, the band continues to write and develop new material for their 2023 releases. The Breakdown's meteoric rise is a testament to their resilience and passion, proving that nothing can stand in the way of true musical vision.