Hailing from Brighton, the high-energy indie rock band Shrag formed in 2004. Comprised of vocalist Helen King, guitarist/vocalist Bob Brown, keyboardist Nick Hills, Russell Warrior on bass and Leigh Anne Clarke on drums and vocals, they released their first single, "Talk to the Left"/"Hopelessly Wasted," for the Where It's At Is Where You Are label in 2006. Three more singles followed as the band continued to tour and gain fans for its brainy, melodic indie pop. These were gathered (along with some stray tracks) for 2009’s self-titled album. The record gained some critical notice and a tour of the U.K. supporting the Pains of Being Pure at Heart upped their profile some, too. Around this time Clarke left the band and was replaced by Andy Pyne. The band’s first real full-length album, Life! Death! Prizes!, was released in October of 2010. After a nearly a year a writing new songs, the band hit the studio with producer Andy Miller (Life Without Buildings, Scout Niblett) to record their next album. Canines was co-released by Fortuna Pop and Where It's At Is Where You Are in the summer of 2012. ~ Tim Sendra