Katydids: The Jangle-Pop Revivalists

Katydids are a British jangle-pop and indie rock band that emerged from the vibrant London music scene in the late 1980s. The group is best known for their critically acclaimed 1991 debut album, "Shangri-La," which captured the essence of melodic guitar pop and earned them a dedicated following.

Early career

Formed in London in 1988, Katydids were founded by vocalist and guitarist Katrina Phillips and guitarist Julian Henry. The band's sound was rooted in the chiming guitars of 1960s pop and the burgeoning indie scene of the era. They secured a deal with the independent label Midnight Music and released their first single, "Shouting Quietly," in 1989, quickly establishing their signature melodic style.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 1991 with the release of their debut album, "Shangri-La," on the One Little Indian label. The album received widespread praise from the UK music press for its sophisticated songwriting and lush guitar arrangements. While not a major commercial chart success, it became a cult favorite and solidified their reputation as purveyors of intelligent guitar pop.

Key tracks

Shouting Quietly — This debut single perfectly introduced the band's jangling guitar sound and Katrina Phillips' distinctive vocal delivery.

All Around Me — A standout track from "Shangri-La," it exemplifies the band's knack for crafting infectious, melancholic pop melodies.

Golden Green — This later single showcased a more polished production while retaining the classic Katydids guitar interplay.

One by One — A fan favorite often highlighted for its intricate harmonies and driving rhythm section.

Following "Shangri-La," Katydids released their second album, "The Great Howl," in 1993. The record saw the band experimenting with a slightly fuller, more rock-oriented sound but maintained their core melodic principles. They continued to tour and record, including contributions to various compilation albums, before going on hiatus in the late 1990s.

Katydids' music draws favorable comparisons to other UK-based melodic indie acts of the period. Fans of their jangling, literate pop might also enjoy The Wedding Present for their energetic guitar focus. The sophisticated songcraft of The Go-Betweens shares a similar artistic sensibility. Listeners appreciate the melodic drive of The Ocean Blue for its clean, ringing guitar tones. The introspective lyrics and pop structures of The Field Mice also resonate with the Katydids' aesthetic.

The Katydids catalog remains a staple on specialty radio formats that celebrate guitar-driven pop history. Their songs are frequently featured on independent music radio stations and online rock radio streams dedicated to the alternative sounds of the 1990s, where their crisp production and timeless melodies continue to find new audiences.

Listeners can discover the classic jangle-pop sound of Katydids by tuning into the radio stations featured on our website. Their essential tracks from "Shangri-La" and beyond are regularly played on the curated stations available on onairium.com.