The New English
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The New English | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Surrey, England |
| Genres | Indie pop, guitar pop |
| Years active | 1986–1988, 1990 (reunion), 1997 (reunion) |
| Labels | Independent |
| Spinoffs | The Internationalists |
| Past members |
|
The New English were an English indie guitar-pop band from Surrey, active between 1986 and 1988. Known for their melodic songwriting and DIY aesthetic, the group performed regularly across London and other parts of England. The band made a single television appearance on BBC's ''Network East'' programme in August 1987.[1][2]
The origins of The New English trace back to December 1983, when vocalist and acoustic guitarist Johnny Rasheed (real name Moorad Choudhry) and guitarist Shareef C (real name unknown) formed a duo called ''Years of Backwater''. The group played one gig at The Swan in Kingston upon Thames in July 1984, before disbanding following technical issues with the drum and bass machines.[3]
In May 1985, Johnny Rasheed and Shareef reformed with bassist Dave Beech, a school friend from Kingston Grammar School, under the name ''The Fallen Idols'', and using a Korg drum machine. While they recorded several demo tapes, the trio never performed live. The group was renamed ''The New English'' in May 1986, shortly after which Dave Beech left the group. (Later on Johnny purchased Dave's bass and WEM amplifier). Rasheed subsequently assumed bass duties, and John Cadogan-Rawlinson ("Joz") was brought in as lead vocalist. Joz left after three performances to pursue a modelling career, and Rasheed resumed lead vocals.
Still recording demos with (now) a Sequential TOM drum machine, the group expanded in April 1987 with the addition of drummer Sara (real name Sarah Hughes). This lineup recorded two songs, "This Evening" and "Get Ready", for the BBC programme "Network East", although only "This Evening" was broadcast.[1]
Sara departed in September 1987, and the group reverted to performing live with a DX drum machine. Despite interest from independent labels, Subway Records and Go! Discs, The New English, were unable to secure a recording contract and disbanded in March 1988.
Musical equipment
Johnny Rasheed used an Ovation acoustic guitar, Cimar copy of a Precision electric bass and Carlsboro amplifier.
Shareef C used a Fender Jazz, later swapped for an Eccleshall copy of a Gibson ES-335, played through a Peavey amplifier.
