Synth duo Sex Cells are gearing up for the release of their infectious, noise-driven debut seven-track album; a disenfranchised, dystopian collection of dark dance tracks that could only have been crafted by the infamous city-dwelling couple and expands on their previous concept heavy work. Angular and paranoid, Sex Cells wield analogue electronics and 8-bit rhythms, creating atmospheric heavy pop that draws from early minimal wave and the animalistic energy of punk. Single ‘Deranged’, a live staple, builds on effortless grooves with haunting electronics and stylised duel vocals. Matt Kilda and Willow Vincent formed in a rehearsal studio in Peckham in late 2015. Armed with just a drum kit and synthesiser, in an act of protest at their often less than comfortable circumstances living in London, the pair began to develop their own brand of minimal live dance music.

After an invitation to play at Trashmouth's Record Store Day party arose, an affinity with South London stalwarts Meatraffle and Madonnatron was forged, and the band began to regularly appear on underground bills at venues such as the infamous Brixton Windmill. Following their move to a derelict office space in Whitechapel - dubbed Nighmare Hall on account of the disturbing dreams endured by the pair whilst living there - Sex Cells independently released a set of raw, lo-fi tracks accompanied by self-made videos, which were met with enthusiasm and acclaim from the London underground.

In the summer of 2016, the band made the move to a more electronic set-up after acquiring a vintage Roland TR-626 drum machine from a friend, and, during impromptu rehearsals at a Redchurch Street shop rear frequented by the likes of Fluffer Records' Love Buzzard, their sound developed a more industrial, techno-oriented edge. From this point onwards, Sex Cells live shows began to gather pace, becoming ever more raucous and performance driven, climaxing in the winter of 2017 with their appearance at The 100 Club supporting HMLTD.

Now under the guidance and mentorship of Pete Shelley and Buzzcocks manager Raf E., the duo entered the studio in early 2018 with long-term producer of The Cure, Dave M. Allen. The result of this partnership was the double A-side ‘Are You Ready / Hell Is Where The Heart Is’, released on limited edition 7" vinyl in June 2018 through the pair's own imprint, Pretty Ugly Records.

The band developed a yearning to return to their origins with a more live, primal way of recording, and so decamped to Eastbourne with Dave M. Allen to lay down a fresh set of tracks. The end product of that week by the sea is That's Life, an album that unifies the Sex Cells universe into one cohesive piece. Sex Cells are now gearing up for 2020, and the release of their LP in March, along with an accompanying collection of remixes entitled Dream Inn later on in the spring.

Live dates:

Friday 13th March - Brixton Windmill, London

“The track is about going out too much and falling down a rabbit hole, Groundhog Day style. This misguided behaviour could be a product of how disposable relationships feel in this day and age, especially with the unfortunate nature of dating apps, but it's ultimately about finding salvation in one person.” Says Tommy Down about his new single.

Produced by Ross O’ Reilly, the hand behind ‘Judgement Day’ by Stealth, ‘Don’t Think I’m Leaving Without You’ channels its laidback funk and soul stylings from artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Al Green, as well as more contemporary artists like Steve Lacy. Blending Motown groove with hip hop inspired beats that wouldn’t sound out of place on an A Tribe Called Quest track, the song chronicles the aftermath of a breakup. Getting lost on nights out and meeting strangers momentarily fills the void inside: “I’ve been searching for another meaning / Even if it’s only for the day” goes its memorable refrain. Tommy’s vocal delivery is like the character portrayed in the song: jaded but libidinous, and riding a groove that could last all weekend. If soul music is a slick and artful expression of human vulnerability, then Tommy has it down pat.

An incisive lyricist and a highly skilled multi-instrumentalist, Tommy Down has been writing music and recording since he was fourteen. He went on to tour and performed jazz standards across Europe from the age of 20 in a Bristol based Jazz Orchestra. During his time at Bristol he netted a few accolades, including ’Best Original Composition’ at the UK Open Mic Competition. After leaving Bristol Tommy moved back to London, where he began and finished a soul album with jazz and blues-rock influences, which he has been performing across the city with his band Pink Yesterday. While flying from London to New York he has also forged some eminent collaborations this year in order to complete this body of work. Both as a bandleader and as a solo artist Tommy unequivocally shines, but it’s in the latter category especially that we’re seeing him give voice to his unique art.