Life in Film

Life in Film formed in 2005 when school friends Samuel Fry (vocals/guitar), Dominic Romero (guitar), and Ed Jones (bass) began rehearsing in a North London basement, later joined by drummer Matt Reynolds. The band's name was inspired by a lyric from the 1979 film Quadrophenia, reflecting their early fascination with cinematic storytelling. They self-released their debut single, "Love Is a Curse," in 2008, which garnered attention from BBC Radio 1 DJ Steve Lamacq, leading to a series of well-received singles on indie labels like Moshi Moshi and Angular Recording Corporation.¹

Their self-titled debut album, released in 2013 on the label Double Six, was recorded with producer Dan Carey and received positive reviews from NME and Drowned in Sound, which praised its "angular guitar lines and brooding atmospherics." The album's lead single, "Get Closer," became a minor hit on UK indie charts, and the band toured extensively across Europe, supporting acts like The Vaccines and Palma Violets. Despite critical acclaim, commercial success remained modest, and the album peaked at no. 88 on the UK Albums Chart.²

Their sophomore effort, Should Be Fine (2016), was recorded in a converted chapel in Somerset and marked a more polished, synth-laden sound. The album received a mixed but generally favorable reception, with Clash noting its "mature songwriting" while lamenting a loss of raw energy. After a final UK tour in early 2017, the band announced an indefinite hiatus, with Fry pursuing a solo project under the name Samuel Fry & the Ghosts. The band has not reunited since, though their back catalog has seen a modest revival on streaming platforms.³

Beyond their studio albums, Life in Film released a series of limited-edition 7-inch singles, including a cover of The Velvet Underground's "What Goes On" that was praised by Uncut. The band's early demo, The Black Album (2009), was never officially released but circulated among fans and included the track "Alarm," which later appeared on their debut. Fry's lyrics often referenced obscure film noir and French New Wave cinema, and the band's music videos were directed by emerging filmmakers, including a 2013 video for "Get Closer" shot in a single take at a London laundromat. The band also performed a one-off session for Marc Riley's BBC 6 Music show in 2014, which remains a fan favorite.

Post-punk

A musical genre that emerged in the late 1970s, characterized by its experimental and often angular approach to rock music.

Indie rock

A genre of rock music that originated in the 1980s, typically associated with independent record labels and a DIY ethos.

Hiatus

A pause or break in activity, often used to describe a band's temporary or indefinite cessation of performing and recording.