It might seem strange that a band where none of the members, unless under threat of force, let go of their microphones, started with an argument of who would have to sing lead. Nonetheless, it is true. In the mid 1990s, in a junior high school located somewhere in the southern part of Sweden, three friends reached the conclusion that forming a band would be a good way to get girls attention. For the idea to work, however, someone has to sing lead. This proves to be a problem, since none of the three is very interested in singing. Finally, after several hours of heated discussion one of them gives up. He agrees to do the vocals on the following days premiere gig and they can all leave for home. The three friends are, of course, the first three members of what is later to become the Pendletones.
The following day is a success, and it is not long before the previously reluctant members start competing for the lead microphone, and if they happen to lose that competition - sing in it anyway. This creates the now familiar harmony-packed Pendletones pop. Local celebrity and bass player Rasmus joins the band some time later, when the original bassist moves off to medical school. With him he brings his songwriting talent, his love of second-hand fashion, his base-playing and, eventually, his drumming brother.
One rainy and windy fall evening when Pendletones play a local club, producer Jocke Täck and the head of Torpedo records are in the audience. They are both impressed by what they hear and see and that same night the band agrees to record an album with Täck to be released on Torpedo.
The summer of 2001 sees the release of the debut single Problems/Everybody knows which apart from the two title songs features Ode to a nightingale as the backing track. Three songs, three singers and three songwriters, on one single! A very rare occurrence among contemporary artists, indeed.
The debut album Move Along was subsequently released in April 2002, and was followed by a tour of the summer festivals of Sweden where the sunny and joyous music of Pendletones made people smile, dance and kiss.
Still, Pendletones is not only a band for the brighter half of the year. You will discover that they can bring a little sunshine to your life anytime. And anywhere.
