pyncher
pyncher | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Manchester, England |
| Genres | Alternative rock, post-punk, garage rock |
| Years active | 2020-present |
| Members |
|
| Website | pyncher |
pyncher are an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 2020. The band is composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Sam Blakeley, lead guitarist Harvey O'Toole, bassist Britt Dewhurst, and drummer Jack Rainbow. The band has a reputation for their high-energy live shows, called "electrifying" and "one of the city's most talked‑about new acts" by BBC Music Introducing.[1]
History
In early 2020, lead vocalist Sam Blakeley and lead guitarist Harvey O'Toole met while both were studying at university in Manchester, initially bonding over a shared interest in The Beatles.[2][3][4] Together, they did covers of Beatles songs before eventually writing their own music, enlisting Britt Dewhurst as bassist and Blakeley's childhood friend from Steyning, Jack Rainbow, as drummer.[5][6] Around the time they formed, the COVID-19 lockdowns in the United Kingdom began to take effect, throughout which the group wrote and rehearsed music together, but were unable to perform gigs due to lockdown restrictions.[3][5]
After restrictions were lifted, pyncher played their live Manchester debut at Fuel Cafe Bar in Withington,[2] and continued to frequently play gigs at various locations, including the White Hotel,[2][7] soon becoming known for their high-energy performances.[1][6][8][9]
Musical style and influences
In terms of musical style, pyncher has been referred to as "genre-blending",[1] and guitarist Harvey O'Toole expressed a preference for being "unlabelled": "We like the idea of people not seeing us as a specific type of band." The Guardian noted influences of krautrock and psychedelic musical styles, and the band has also been labelled as "post-punk",[5] "garage rock",[9][10] and "alternative rock".[3] In a 2025 interview, O'Toole tentatively offered "theatrical alternative music" as the band's self-described style.[6]
Several artists have been cited by members of the band as influences, including The Beatles, The Cramps, Bob Dylan, The Modern Lovers, Harry Nilsson, Pixies, Lou Reed, Sonic Youth, The Velvet Underground and The White Stripes.[2][5][6]
Discography
Albums
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Every Town Needs A Stranger | Released: October 15, 2025 |
Singles
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Dirty Feet"[11] | 2021 | Non-album singles |
| "Frogs and Tomatoes"[12] | 2022 | |
| "The Saddest Man Around"[13] | ||
| "Steely Dan"[14] | ||
| "Get Along" | 2025 | Non-album singles, later included on Every Town Needs A Stranger |
| "Space Rocket Simulator" | ||
| "At the Seaside" | ||
| "Steely Dan" |
References
- ^ a b c "BBC Introducing Announces Lineup for 6 Music Festival Night at Band on the Wall". BBC. 2026-02-10. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ^ a b c d Strazzulla, Chiara (2022-07-19). "In Conversation with… PYNCHER". Bitter Sweet Symphonies. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ^ a b c Jemmett, Serena (2022-10-04). "Manchester Artist Spotlight: pyncher - The Mancunion". Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ^ "Pyncher". Hotvox. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ^ a b c d "Start Listening To: Pyncher". Still Listening. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ^ a b c d Magazine, Exposed (2025-02-19). "'We're going with 'theatrical alternative music': Pyncher interview". Exposed Magazine. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ^ Magazine, BabyStep (2025-10-15). "Manchester's pyncher Share Debut EP 'Every Town Needs A Stranger'". Babystep Magazine. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ^ Brock, Charlie (2025-02-28). "Pyncher, Live in Manchester: A Band Primed for the Big Time". Indie is not a genre. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ^ a b Macbeth, Katie (2025-09-16). "pyncher Announce Debut EP and Share New Single". Indie is not a genre. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ^ Pimblett, Rachael (2025-10-15). "Pyncher - 'Back To The Country' single review". faroutmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ^ https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/b372d360-7396-4b10-a79d-9020b93a973a
- ^ https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/4c61f3d9-079e-4f8d-ab00-c7bb79670607
- ^ https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/dc7d98e2-1145-42d3-ac95-5c8a3cd731ef
- ^ https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/7b61de31-aef4-4a1c-ac5b-714cf2c782b3