JDM was formed in november 1998 comprising David, Mark, Jeremy and Joseph.The band began to discover new influences that worked their into the sound (Radiohead and The Stone Roses). Little was acheived by the initial band except a rather hazy record deal with a Sevenoaks-based label for which a drum track was eventually recorded, but nothing else emerged.
A noticeable turning point, however, occured in March 1999, when "Renewal" was written and first rehearsed. The track was recorded on an analogue 8 track in April, shortly before a new arrival to the band.
Philip Williams (guitars) was a friend of the band's for a number of reasons: he had been in Jeremy's class for the last year and a half, he was a GCSE music mate of Joseph, Mark and Jeremy and, most importantly, he was the only musician who hung around in the control room at school and didnt piss off the band.
In early May 1999 Joe received a phone call from David during which the point was raised that, as a reputable guitarist, Phil really should be in the band.
the idea was debated and Phil joined in mid-May. More influences emerged: Muse, Nirvana, and The Manic Street Preachers seemed to dominate.
Since then the band have gone from strength to strength, attempting several demos on 8-track cassette and 4-track hard-disk most of which failed due to equipment failure. punchdrunk have also played numerous public gigs, drawing in crowds of nearly 300, and obtaining quite a local following.
Songwriting is the job of David who brings songs to rehearsals for the others to add to and expand. More often than not a song will evolve into a noyably different form from its original . Listening to early demos of "To Drown Out The Deafening Noise" is clearly displayed.
More recently embraced influences include Coldplay, Jeff Buckley, Portishead and Doves.
In February 2001, punchdrunk won "The Battle Of The Bands" staged at West Kent College in Tonbridge. Before accepting their accolade the band met Steve Hill in the dressing room who promptly offered them a management agreement.
With Steve's assistance, the band were able to release a self-funded E.P "Recreated in sound & rhythm" in June 2001.
The E.P rapidly sold out and punchdrunk went on to win the Industry Vote in the Tunbridge Wells Forum's Monday Showcase final. This generated some studio time which will probably be used by the band in colaboration with EMI producer Tony Clark, who became interested in punchdrunk after hearing "Recreated in sound and rhythm."
The band are currently preparing for the next studio session with Tony, writing and rehearsing and recording bits and pieces live. There are rough plans for a tour of the U.K to commence in January 2003 at the very latest. punchdrunk are currently enjoying the music of Aphex Twin, Steve Reich, Elbow, Bjork, John Cage and Pink Floyd.
