The Steamkings
formed in 1986 and have never really disbanded. The reason for the band was to give a platform to the burgeoning writing team of Mark Richardson (music) and Simon Young (lyrics). The method was a high-powered guitar band and to this end they were lucky to find Justin Cunningham (lead guitar).

What emerged was a distillation of their musical infatuations and a fabulous way to play-out their youth. Nothing too unusual there, but what did seem less common was the quality of the writing and the energy of the performances. This was sometimes problematic in that many of the compositions were quite baroque and delicate, while the band collectively seemed to feel it was imperative to kick the shit out of them. But it could also lead to some very interesting recordings and gigs, and it's not a tactic that many other bands have tried. Not that there was any particular agenda other than to set the bar as high as possible and see what happened. At this point people normally jot down a vast list of bands that they're supposed to sound a bit like but maybe we'll just say The Jam and The Beatles. There, said it. Many others over the years obviously, as you'll hear, but these were at the crux of things from the start.

After playing and living in London during the late 80's and into the 90's, releasing 3 EPs on Native Records (now available on Cherry Red), they were invited to go to New York to complete a new album. This turned into 'Marmalized', recorded over 2 visits, part produced by members of The Posies, and sandwiched by gigs around the East Coast.

On their return they recorded a session at Maida Vale and an album for Sony Japan, 'Songs and Stories', followed by 'The Full English' which was a composite of tracks finished, some with help from Nigel Clark of Dodgy, before they became temporarily inactive in 2000. They got together again in 2010 to record 'Cherries' and today another collection is in the offing.

Despite shifts in sound, production, sonic priorities, and haircuts the high-bar-setting has remained consistent and the quality of the writing & playing have followed a path you'd hope to expect. I think they've improved with the years.

As people they remain a contrary, argumentative, energised bunch who are very fond of each other and still absolutely rubbish at self-promotion (it always seemed to be in such bad taste until now!).

And now should be made grateful mention of other various members who have been in the band at other various times, and who contributed much both artistically and socially.

Harvey Maxwell (guitar & bass) Hugh Brown (vocals & guitar), Matt Burke (guitar & vocals), Jonny Bowler, Pete Briggs, Allessandro Magnotta, Rob Greenstock, Andi Liddle (drums), Nick 'mini' Cooper (various instruments and production on 'Cherries'). Thanks chaps. And thank you, and good luck."