The School

Sounding something like a lighter, poppier version of frontwoman Liz Hunt's former band, the Loves, the Cardiff, Wales-based group the School started putting together their earnest, whimsical indie pop tunes in 2007. Liz, Rosie (guitar/vocals), Steph (violin), Josh (drums), Ryan (bass), Ceri (guitar/vocals), and Filmryan (glockenspiel) had only played four live shows by the time they were signed to the Madrid, Spain-based label Elefant, which at the time was putting out records by likeminded acts like the Carrots and Fitness Forever. The School's first 7" single, "All I Wanna Do," pressed on bubblegum pink vinyl, was released in the spring of 2008, and was followed closely by the band's debut EP, Let It Slip. The following year found the band touring the U.K. with the Boy Least Likely To, covering the Left Banke's classic "And Suddenly" for a split single on Slumberland, and contributing songs to the soundtrack of the acclaimed Spanish film Yo, También. They were also working with producer Ian Catt (Saint Etienne, the Field Mice) to finish their debut album. By the time Loveless Unbeliever was released in April of 2010, the group's lineup consisted of the core trio of Liz, Steph, and Ryan along with new members Rich (drums), Harri (guitar/vocals/glockenspiel), Fran (trumpet/vocals), Kay (keyboards/violin/vocals), and Ivan (guitar).