Love Amongst Ruin
Encyclopedia
Love Amongst Ruin are a London
rock
band, led by ex-Placebo
drummer Steve Hewitt
.
tour in September 2007, Steve Hewitt
had a vision "to create a new band, a new album and a new sound". He immediately enlisted Lamb
bassist Jon Thorne
and his brother Nick Hewitt to begin writing and demoing new music at his home studio. In March 2008, Julian Cope
collaborator Donald Ross Skinner
was brought in to oversee and co-produce the recording sessions. Between April and August 2008, the collective moved to Moles Studio in Bath for three recording sessions with producer Paul Corkett, which yielded ten songs, with Steve predominantly performing drums and lead vocals. Mixing began in September and continued for six months before the album was mastered by Brian Gardner
at Bernie Grundman Mastering in April 2009. Steve spent the remainder of 2009 securing management, publishing and record deals, in addition to finding permanent members for the band. In November, he revealed the band and debut album would be named 'Love Amongst Ruin'.
(drums). The band made their live debut at the Eurosonic Festival
in Groningen, Netherlands
on January 14, 2010. The band made their UK debut at the Barfly
in London
on 11 May and followed up with a larger gig at the Scala
in June. Original bassist Magnus Lundén was replaced by Teresa Morini in July. The band appeared on the Red Bull
Stage at Sonisphere Festival on 11 August, the day after Hewitt's previous band, Placebo
, had played on the main stage.
Love Amongst Ruin's debut single "So Sad (Fade)
" was released on August 30 on Ancient B Records, followed by their self-titled debut album
on September 13. The band embarked on the Heaven & Hell Tour
from September through November and released their second single "Home
" on 25 October. 2010 was wrapped up with a gig at Birmingham Academy supporting Feeder
. Keith York
left the band at the end of the year, expressing a desire to spend more time with his family. He was replaced by Ramon Sherrington. Laurie Ross was also removed from the live lineup, but continues to record with the band in the studio.
The band began 2011 with a quartet of gigs supporting Feeder
, before supporting their third single, "Alone", with a short tour of France in March. Gizz Butt
filled in for Steve Hove on the Recycling Party tour in May, while Jon Thorne stepped in for Teresa Morini at the Fête de la Musique
in Valence
, France
in June. The band also confirmed that a new EP titled "Oh God" was set for release in the summer, though as of November 2011 it has not seen release. The band spent two days at Fisher Lane Farm
in early August with producer Paul Corkett to record acoustic versions of nine tracks released on their self-titled debut album. Laurie Ross returned to play cello at the sessions. "Bring Me Down (You Don't)
" was given away by the band as a free download in advance of the release of the acoustic album on December 5th.
. In June, Steve stated that "We're about nine tracks in. We're hoping to start recording in September. I've demoed most of the drums but we'll see when September comes who's going to play what. I've got to get my oar in and have a go, it'd be silly not to". In November, Steve confirmed that band have been recording at Moles Studio in Bath and the album is expected to be released in the first half of 2012.
, the crossover appeal of a parkful of linkins
and the melodicism of the hardiest fighter of foos
". They also cite having New Order
, Depeche Mode
, Kasabian, Can
, The Cure
and Metallica
elements to their sound.
Former members
Live guests
Timeline
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band, led by ex-Placebo
Placebo (band)
Placebo are a British rock band from London, England, formed in 1994 by singer and guitarist Brian Molko and bass guitarist Stefan Olsdal. The band was joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and...
drummer Steve Hewitt
Steve Hewitt
Steven James Hewitt is the singer and guitarist in Love Amongst Ruin, having previously been the drummer for Placebo between mid-1996 and October 2007.-Personal life:...
.
Beginnings and formation
Upon his dismissal from Placebo after the conclusion of their MedsMeds
Meds is the fifth studio album by British alternative rock band Placebo, released in 2006 on Virgin Records. It was released in most countries on 13 March 2006, although it was released three days earlier in Australia and New Zealand...
tour in September 2007, Steve Hewitt
Steve Hewitt
Steven James Hewitt is the singer and guitarist in Love Amongst Ruin, having previously been the drummer for Placebo between mid-1996 and October 2007.-Personal life:...
had a vision "to create a new band, a new album and a new sound". He immediately enlisted Lamb
Lamb (band)
Lamb is an electronic music duo from Manchester, England, whose music is influenced by trip hop and drum and bass. The duo consists of producer Andy Barlow, who also produces under the pseudonym Hipoptimist, and singer-songwriter Lou Rhodes...
bassist Jon Thorne
Jon Thorne
Jon Thorne is an English double bassist.Born in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire he lived in Zimbabwe from the age of 6 to 11 and is now based in Whalley Range, Manchester. He is self taught and started playing in his early twenties...
and his brother Nick Hewitt to begin writing and demoing new music at his home studio. In March 2008, Julian Cope
Julian Cope
Julian Cope is a British rock musician, author, antiquary, musicologist, poet and cultural commentator...
collaborator Donald Ross Skinner
Donald Ross Skinner
Donald Skinner is a guitarist, songwriter and producer born in Edinburgh, UK primarily known for his work with Julian Cope. Skinner is commonly known by the name Donald Ross Skinner with the addition of the middle name of Ross attributed to him by Cope after Glenn Ross Campbell, the pedal steel...
was brought in to oversee and co-produce the recording sessions. Between April and August 2008, the collective moved to Moles Studio in Bath for three recording sessions with producer Paul Corkett, which yielded ten songs, with Steve predominantly performing drums and lead vocals. Mixing began in September and continued for six months before the album was mastered by Brian Gardner
Brian Gardner
Brian Gardner, also known as Brian "Big Bass" Gardner is a mastering engineer. He has worked on countless recordings since the mid-1960s, including classic rock, funk, disco, alternative rock, R&B, hip hop, pop punk, and dance pop. He is perhaps best known for his work on hip hop albums and in...
at Bernie Grundman Mastering in April 2009. Steve spent the remainder of 2009 securing management, publishing and record deals, in addition to finding permanent members for the band. In November, he revealed the band and debut album would be named 'Love Amongst Ruin'.
Love Amongst Ruin (2009-)
The band lineup was revealed in December 2009 and announced alongside Steve Hewitt (vocals/guitar) were Donald Ross Skinner (guitar), Steve Hove (guitar), Magnus Lundén (bass), Laurie Ross (keyboards & cello) and Keith YorkKeith York
Keith York is a professional session drummer who has toured and sessioned throughout the world and worked with a range of bands, including Pitchshifter, The Lightning Seeds, Bivouac, Ladytron, and Esoteric, Bentley Rhythm Ace , Broadcast and Love Amongst Ruin...
(drums). The band made their live debut at the Eurosonic Festival
Eurosonic Festival
Eurosonic is Europe’s largest showcase festival and takes place on a yearly basis on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday previous to Noorderslag festival in the dutch city Groningen. Eurosonic is part of The European Music Conference and Showcase Festival Eurosonic Noorderslag. During the festival 250...
in Groningen, Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
on January 14, 2010. The band made their UK debut at the Barfly
Barfly (club)
Barfly is a chain of live music venues nightclubs in the UK operating as part of the MAMA Group. It has venues in Brighton, London & York. They regularly feature live music. Their club nights tend to feature rock, alternative and independent music...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
on 11 May and followed up with a larger gig at the Scala
Scala (club)
Scala is a nightclub in London, England, near King's Cross railway station.-History:The Scala was originally built as a cinema to the designs of H Courtney Constantine, but construction was interrupted by the First World War and it spent some time being used to manufacture aircraft parts, and as a...
in June. Original bassist Magnus Lundén was replaced by Teresa Morini in July. The band appeared on the Red Bull
Red Bull
Red Bull is an energy drink sold by the Austrian Red Bull GmbH, created in 1987 by the Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz. In terms of market share, Red Bull is the most popular energy drink in the world, with 3 billion cans sold each year. Dietrich Mateschitz was inspired by an already...
Stage at Sonisphere Festival on 11 August, the day after Hewitt's previous band, Placebo
Placebo (band)
Placebo are a British rock band from London, England, formed in 1994 by singer and guitarist Brian Molko and bass guitarist Stefan Olsdal. The band was joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and...
, had played on the main stage.
Love Amongst Ruin's debut single "So Sad (Fade)
So Sad (Fade)
"So Sad " is the debut single by British rock band Love Amongst Ruin. The single was released on August 30th, 2010 on Ancient B Records.-Reception:The single received generally positive reviews...
" was released on August 30 on Ancient B Records, followed by their self-titled debut album
Love Amongst Ruin (album)
Love Amongst Ruin is the self-titled debut studio album by Love Amongst Ruin. It was released on September 13, 2010.-Background:After departing Placebo in October 2007, Steve Hewitt enlisted Lamb bassist Jon Thorne and his brother Nick Hewitt to begin writing and demoing new music at his home studio...
on September 13. The band embarked on the Heaven & Hell Tour
Heaven & Hell Tour
The Heaven & Hell Tour was the debut concert tour by British rock band Love Amongst Ruin, in support of their self-titled debut album.-Background:...
from September through November and released their second single "Home
Home (Love Amongst Ruin song)
"Home" is the second single by British rock band Love Amongst Ruin. The single was released on October 25, 2010 on Ancient B Records.-Reception:...
" on 25 October. 2010 was wrapped up with a gig at Birmingham Academy supporting Feeder
Feeder
-Technology:* Feeder , any of several devices used in apiculture to supplement or replace natural food sources* Feeder , another name for a riser, a reservoir built into a metal casting mold to prevent cavities due to shrinkage...
. Keith York
Keith York
Keith York is a professional session drummer who has toured and sessioned throughout the world and worked with a range of bands, including Pitchshifter, The Lightning Seeds, Bivouac, Ladytron, and Esoteric, Bentley Rhythm Ace , Broadcast and Love Amongst Ruin...
left the band at the end of the year, expressing a desire to spend more time with his family. He was replaced by Ramon Sherrington. Laurie Ross was also removed from the live lineup, but continues to record with the band in the studio.
The band began 2011 with a quartet of gigs supporting Feeder
Feeder
-Technology:* Feeder , any of several devices used in apiculture to supplement or replace natural food sources* Feeder , another name for a riser, a reservoir built into a metal casting mold to prevent cavities due to shrinkage...
, before supporting their third single, "Alone", with a short tour of France in March. Gizz Butt
Gizz Butt
Gizz Butt is a British musician, best known for playing the guitar during live performances by band The Prodigy in the late 1990s.-Early years:...
filled in for Steve Hove on the Recycling Party tour in May, while Jon Thorne stepped in for Teresa Morini at the Fête de la Musique
Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique, also known as World Music Day, is a music festival taking place on June 21.-History:The idea was first broached in 1976 by American musician Joel Cohen, then employed by the national French radio station France Musique. Cohen proposed an all-night music celebration at the...
in Valence
Valence, Drôme
Valence is a commune in southeastern France, the capital of the Drôme department, situated on the left bank of the Rhône, south of Lyon on the railway to Marseilles.Its inhabitants are called Valentinois...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
in June. The band also confirmed that a new EP titled "Oh God" was set for release in the summer, though as of November 2011 it has not seen release. The band spent two days at Fisher Lane Farm
The Farm (recording studio)
Fisher Lane Farm is the main recording studio of the English progressive rock band Genesis. The studio is located in Chiddingfold, Surrey, England...
in early August with producer Paul Corkett to record acoustic versions of nine tracks released on their self-titled debut album. Laurie Ross returned to play cello at the sessions. "Bring Me Down (You Don't)
Bring Me Down (You Don't)
"Bring Me Down " is a song by British rock band Love Amongst Ruin, written by singer and guitarist Steve Hewitt. The song has frequently been performed live by the band.-Background:...
" was given away by the band as a free download in advance of the release of the acoustic album on December 5th.
Second studio album (2011-)
In January 2011, Steve Hewitt revealed that he had begun writing the band's second album, and the band will commence recording after they complete the supporting tour for Love Amongst RuinLove Amongst Ruin (album)
Love Amongst Ruin is the self-titled debut studio album by Love Amongst Ruin. It was released on September 13, 2010.-Background:After departing Placebo in October 2007, Steve Hewitt enlisted Lamb bassist Jon Thorne and his brother Nick Hewitt to begin writing and demoing new music at his home studio...
. In June, Steve stated that "We're about nine tracks in. We're hoping to start recording in September. I've demoed most of the drums but we'll see when September comes who's going to play what. I've got to get my oar in and have a go, it'd be silly not to". In November, Steve confirmed that band have been recording at Moles Studio in Bath and the album is expected to be released in the first half of 2012.
Musical style and influences
Love Amongst Ruin describe themselves as "a multi-faceted rock band that promises the crunch of a stone age queenQueens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and...
, the crossover appeal of a parkful of linkins
Linkin Park
Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...
and the melodicism of the hardiest fighter of foos
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters is an American alternative rock band originally formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of his previous band. The band got its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War...
". They also cite having New Order
New Order
New Order are an English rock band formed in 1980 by Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris...
, Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode are an English electronic music band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. The group's original line-up consisted of Dave Gahan , Martin Gore , Andy Fletcher and Vince Clarke...
, Kasabian, Can
Can (band)
Can was an experimental rock band formed in Cologne, West Germany in 1968. Later labeled as one of the first "krautrock" groups, they transcended mainstream influences and incorporated strong minimalist and world music elements into their often psychedelic music.Can constructed their music largely...
, The Cure
The Cure
The Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1976. The band has experienced several line-up changes, with frontman, vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member...
and Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
elements to their sound.
Band members
Current members- Steve HewittSteve HewittSteven James Hewitt is the singer and guitarist in Love Amongst Ruin, having previously been the drummer for Placebo between mid-1996 and October 2007.-Personal life:...
- vocals/guitar/drums - Donald Ross SkinnerDonald Ross SkinnerDonald Skinner is a guitarist, songwriter and producer born in Edinburgh, UK primarily known for his work with Julian Cope. Skinner is commonly known by the name Donald Ross Skinner with the addition of the middle name of Ross attributed to him by Cope after Glenn Ross Campbell, the pedal steel...
- guitar - Steve Hove - guitar
- Teresa Morini - bass
- Ramon Sherrington - drums
Former members
- Magnus Lundén - bass
- Keith YorkKeith YorkKeith York is a professional session drummer who has toured and sessioned throughout the world and worked with a range of bands, including Pitchshifter, The Lightning Seeds, Bivouac, Ladytron, and Esoteric, Bentley Rhythm Ace , Broadcast and Love Amongst Ruin...
- drums - Laurie Ross - keyboards/cello
Live guests
- Gizz ButtGizz ButtGizz Butt is a British musician, best known for playing the guitar during live performances by band The Prodigy in the late 1990s.-Early years:...
- guitar (May 2011) - Jon ThorneJon ThorneJon Thorne is an English double bassist.Born in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire he lived in Zimbabwe from the age of 6 to 11 and is now based in Whalley Range, Manchester. He is self taught and started playing in his early twenties...
- bass (June 2011)
Timeline
Singles
- 2010: So Sad (Fade)So Sad (Fade)"So Sad " is the debut single by British rock band Love Amongst Ruin. The single was released on August 30th, 2010 on Ancient B Records.-Reception:The single received generally positive reviews...
(30 August 2010) - 2010: HomeHome (Love Amongst Ruin song)"Home" is the second single by British rock band Love Amongst Ruin. The single was released on October 25, 2010 on Ancient B Records.-Reception:...
(25 October 2010) - 2011: Alone (28 February 2011)
Videos
| Year | Video | Director | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "So Sad (Fade)" | (unlisted) | YouTube |
| "Home" | (unlisted) | YouTube | |
| 2011 | "Alone" | (unlisted) | YouTube |