The Servant's eponymous debut album, released in 2004, has been a phenomenal success. Titled ‘Orchestra’, the album nearly achieved gold status in both France (100,000 copies sold) and Italy (50,000 copies sold). Debut single "Orchestra" was voted NME Joint Single of the Week, and became a huge airplay and chart success in both countries. The band were also nominated for Best Newcomer of the Year by Europe's number one radio station NRJ.
In 2004/2005, The Servant focused on promoting the album throughout Europe through a number of tours and high profile festivals. These included supporting Franz Ferdinand at a special concert in France, playing to 18,000 people at Moscow’s Olympic Stadium to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Russian radio station Europa Plus, and playing the Italian Top of the Pops and CD Live. The Servant’s music has also been used in three blockbuster films; ‘Sin City’ (“Cells” instrumental), ‘Transporter 2’ (“Cells” and “Body”) and ‘Mr & Mrs Smith’ (“Liquefy”).
2006 saw The Servant spend the early part of the year writing and demo-ing tracks for their most recent album, "How To Destroy A Relationship", at their home studio in London. The band revamped their (now flash award winning) website to synchronise with the release of the 12 new tracks recorded with producer Jim Lowe (Stereophonics, The Charlatans). Two singles from the session, "How To Destroy A Relationship" have been play-listed in France by Oui FM (Paris No.1 Rock music radio station) and the high profile national radio station Europe 2. In Italy the band performed live at the MTV/Coca-Cola show in Milan supporting Jay Z, played MTV RLT twice, Festival Bar, and Saturday Night Live.
This year, The Servant have made three powerful and stunning music videos (‘HTDAR’, ‘Girlfriend’, ‘Hey Lou Reed’). The latter received 100,000 hits on MSN in its first week, and the single recently had a place in the Top 20 in France. During 2007, The Servant have also enjoyed their most successful European tour to date! It got so full-on in France, they had to escape via the back door during In-store promotion before even signing albums. "There were people hanging on the walls, and climbing everywhere” to get to the band members. Fans even invaded the stage during a gig!
The Servant’s music is available on digital download worldwide. Recently, ‘Sleep Deprivation’ was digitally released, backed by two beautiful acoustic versions of ‘I Wish I Could Stop Wishing For Things and ‘Liquefy’. The entire album will be distributed worldwide later in 2007.
Critical acclaim for The Servant
"It’s a very hard job to label how The Servant sounds – practically impossible. A soul immersed in punk, with funky and electronic vibrations, references to the 80’s, dance and hip-hop influences… The Servant is all that and more, reflecting the eclectic verve of its leader Dan Black."
Plum Music 2007
"The Servant's unique sound which blends Radioheadish experimental tunes with sixties undertones and with a fair indulgence of guitar encrusted rock n' roll, all led by a mesmerising, even if bordering on neurotic, front man."
Paolo Gandolfi: Music News, London Dec 06
"Really, you must worship at the feet of The Servant."
Logo Magazine
The Servant - Hey Lou Reed
The Servant - How To Destroy A Relationship
