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Tigercub
Tigercub
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Tigercub are a three-piece rock band from Brighton, UK. The band are Jamie Stephen Hall (vocals and lead guitar), James Allix (drums) and Jimi Wheelwright (bass). Tigercub have released three EPs, the Hands EP (2013), Repressed Semantics (2015) and Evolve or Die (2017), and three full-length albums, Abstract Figures in the Dark (2016), As Blue as Indigo (2021) and The Perfume Of Decay (2023).

Key Information

History

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Tigercub was formed by Hall and Allix in 2011. The founding members met at a university in Brighton. In 2012 Hall and Allix were joined by Wheelwright.

Early releases

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The band recorded and self-released the Hands EP at Brighton Electric in 2013. Matt Bigland of Dinosaur Pile-Up produced Tigercub's next single "Blue Blood" with Tom Dalgety. "Blue Blood" was released on Raygun Records in 2014 and became the band's first commercial release.[1] Following this, Tigercub were invited to tour the UK with Royal Blood. The band went back into Brighton Electric to record a double A-side "Centrefold"/"Trendsetter" with Dalgety, which was released on Jazz Life in 2014.[2][unreliable source?] In November 2014, Tigercub toured Europe with Blood Red Shoes.

Tigercub released the double A-side "Destroy"/"You" on limited-edition vinyl with Too Pure Records, and digitally with Brighton label Cannibal Hymns.[3] An exclusive CD compilation Meet Tigercub was released with P-Vine Records in Japan [4] and with Smack Face Music in Australia.

Tigercub signed to VENN Records to release Repressed Semantics in November 2015.

The EP was supported by Tigercub's first UK headline tour, followed by a series of dates across Europe with Dilly Dally. The Guardian described Repressed Semantics as "a self-contained world for you to discover and get lost in",[5] and Crack Magazine called Tigercub "one of Brighton's most promising up-and-coming bands".[6]

Abstract Figures in the Dark

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Tigercub's first full-length album, Abstract Figures in the Dark, was released on 11 November 2016, via Alcopop! Records.[7] The album was produced by Alex Newport and mastered by John Greenham.

The press response was positive and highlighted the album's difficult themes and genre-defying content. Clash said that the release was "jagged and harsh. It is a pill that isn't easily swallowed, nor digested; it is emotionally overwhelming and entirely self-aware. It doesn't fit neatly into a box on the shelf marked 'punk' or 'grunge.'"[8]

Evolve or Die

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Tigercub released their second EP Evolve or Die in 2017 via Alcopop! Records.

Dork said, "Throughout the four-track offering every moment counts, adding up to a journey that feels fleeting but necessary. New depths are explored with 'Into The Ashes' conjuring imagery of dystopian-type fallout, while 'It's Only Love' begins as a melancholic number, but soon morphs into a different beast entirely, with a funk-driven heart (...) every second yields either complete devotion or self-realisation."[9]

After constant touring, the band took a break to pursue other creative outlets, including Hall's side-project Nancy.

As Blue as Indigo

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As Blue as Indigo was written by Hall and co-produced by Hall and Adrian Bushby. Bushby also engineered the record. As Blue as Indigo was later mixed by Tom Dalgety and released on BLAME Recordings.

The title of the album hints at Hall's introspective approach to lyrical themes, exploring personal topics including anxiety, depression, toxic masculinity, the death of his grandmother, and the recent suicide of a close friend.[10]

As Blue as Indigo reached number one on the Independent Album Breakers, number five on the UK Rock & Metal chart, number 11 on the UK Independent Albums chart, number 12 on the Vinyl Chart, and number 30 on the UK Physical Albums Chart. During this period, the band toured extensively with Royal Blood.

The band recorded an Amazon Original track, "Overload", in August 2021.

The Perfume Of Decay

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The Perfume of Decay was written and produced by Hall. It was released on Stone Gossard's Loosegroove Records on 2 June 2023.

Members

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  • Jamie Stephen Hall – vocals, guitar
  • Jimi Wheelwright – bass
  • James Allix – drums

Discography

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Studio albums

  • Abstract Figures in the Dark (Alcopop! Records, 2016)
  • As Blue as Indigo (BLAME Recordings, 2021)
  • The Perfume of Decay (Loosegroove Records, 2023)

Compilation albums

  • Meet Tigercub (P-Vine Records, Japanese exclusive CD, 2015)

EPs

  • Repressed Semantics (VENN Records, 2015)
  • Evolve or Die (Alcopop! Records, 2017)

Singles

  • "Destroy"/"You" (Cannibal Hymns/Too Pure Records, 2015)
  • "Blue Blood" (Raygun, 2014)
  • "Centrefold"/"Trendsetter" (Jazz Life, 2014)
  • "Stop Beating on My Heart (Like a Bass Drum)" (BLAME Recordings, 2021)
  • "Beauty" (BLAME Recordings, 2021)
  • "Blue Mist in My Head" (BLAME Recordings, 2021)
  • "The Perfume of Decay" (Loose Grove Records, 2022) - No. 28 Mainstream Rock Songs[11]
  • "Play My Favourite Song" (Loosegroove Records, 2023)

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Tigercub is a three-piece band formed in , , in 2011, consisting of Jamie Hall on vocals and , Jimi Wheelwright on bass, and James Allix on . The band emerged on the UK music scene with their debut single "Centrefold" in 2012, which received early praise from as a promising start to their career. Their sound draws from influences like and , blending heavy, abrasive riffs with melodic pop elements and introspective lyrics often exploring themes of personal loss and emotional . Tigercub gained momentum with their debut album Abstract Figures in the Dark in 2016, followed by the EP Evolve or Die in 2017, showcasing their evolution toward a more experimental edge. After a period of hiatus during which frontman Jamie Hall pursued a under the Nancy, the band reunited to record their sophomore album As Blue as Indigo amid the challenges of the 2020 , self-releasing it on their own Blame Recordings label in 2021. The album, produced in intense sessions marked by personal hardships including health issues and band tensions, was lauded for its dramatic, adrenaline-fueled intensity. In 2023, Tigercub released their third studio album The Perfume of Decay, further solidifying their reputation for maximalist, riff-driven with tracks that balance crushing heaviness and vulnerable introspection. In 2025, the band released a reimagined version of The Perfume of Decay and announced their fourth studio album, Nets to Catch the Wind, for April 2026. Signed to Loosegroove Records, the band has toured extensively across the and , performing at festivals like 2000 Trees and , while continuing to push genre boundaries with their high-energy live shows.

History

Formation and early years

Tigercub was founded in 2011 in , , by Jamie Stephen Hall on vocals and guitar and James Allix on drums, initially operating as a duo while the two met and began collaborating at the . The pair experimented with various rock sounds during informal sessions, drawing from Hall's initial song ideas and demos that were refined collaboratively. In 2012, bassist Jimi Wheelwright joined the group, establishing the three-piece lineup of Hall, Allix, and Wheelwright that has remained consistent to the present day. Early rehearsals took place in local venues, where the band focused on developing raw, introspective rock compositions that emphasized emotional depth and energetic delivery. Tigercub's first live performances occurred within Brighton's vibrant scene, including an early appearance at venue in April 2012 as part of a Juice FM New Music Night showcasing local talent. These shows, characterized by high-energy rock sets, helped generate grassroots buzz among audiences without involvement from major record labels. By late 2012, this foundation paved the way for the band's transition to recording and releasing their initial material in 2013.

Early releases and EPs

Tigercub's entry into the music scene began with the self-release of their debut EP, Hands, in 2013, recorded at Brighton Electric Recording Studios. This initial offering introduced the band's raw, abrasive alternative rock sound, establishing a foundation for their noisy, high-energy style. Building on this, the band issued their breakthrough single "Blue Blood" in April 2014 via Raygun Records, a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl that captured their grunge-infused riffs and vocal intensity, earning early radio play and critical notice. Produced by Matt Bigland of Dinosaur Pile-Up and Tom Dalgety, the track marked Tigercub's growing presence in the UK indie scene. In November 2015, Tigercub released their follow-up EP, Repressed Semantics, through VENN Records, comprising five tracks including "Pictures of You" and "Antiseptic." The EP demonstrated an evolution in their noisy rock aesthetic, blending heavier and political with melodic hooks, as praised in reviews for its refined aggression and potential as a UK breakout. The band's debut full-length album, Abstract Figures in the Dark, arrived on November 11, 2016, via ! Records, featuring 12 tracks such as "Burning Effigies," "," and "Migraine." Independently produced with a focus on intricate arrangements, the record delved into themes of twenty-first-century anxiety and discord, sewing unease into its jagged soundscapes and earning acclaim for its genre-defying intensity. Throughout 2014 to 2016, Tigercub honed their live reputation through extensive touring, including a European support slot for Blood Red Shoes across , the , and in November 2014, where they also released the single "Centrefold" on the headliners' Jazz Life imprint. This period saw them secure prominent UK festival appearances, notably on the Stage at in August 2016, alongside slots at 2000 Trees and Boardmasters, which amplified their visibility and fanbase.

Evolve or Die era

In , Tigercub released their EP Evolve or Die on ! Records, marking a pivotal shift toward a more aggressive and expansive sound. The four-track release, comprising "The Divided States of Us," "," "," and "Faking Laughter," showcased the band's evolving influences with heavier, distorted riffs and dynamic shifts from introspective verses to explosive choruses. Critics highlighted the EP's intensity, particularly in the opener "The Divided States of Us," which features grinding guitar work reminiscent of and psych rock, building on thematic continuations of alienation and urgency from their prior EPs. The EP's release propelled Tigercub's live presence, as they supported Royal Blood on select European dates, including a performance in on May 23, 2017, which broadened their audience beyond the UK indie circuit. This exposure, combined with their own headline tours across the in October 2017—spanning venues from Southampton's Joiners to Norwich's Waterfront Studio—amplified their visibility and honed their raucous stage energy. Festival slots further solidified their momentum, with appearances at in August 2017, as well as The Great Escape's First 50 showcase, where their blend of dystopian lyricism and heavy instrumentation drew praise for its raw power. Critical acclaim for Evolve or Die emphasized its frantic urgency and musical dexterity, with outlets like Dork awarding it four stars for tracks that morphed from melancholic introspection to funk-driven assaults, positioning the band as a rising force in . New Noise Magazine lauded the EP's range, from hazy psych elements to stadium-ready , underscoring Tigercub's potential for broader appeal. By 2018, this reception translated into additional bookings and sustained touring, including European headline runs, fostering international interest without a major label pivot at the time.

As Blue as Indigo

As Blue as Indigo is the second studio album by British Tigercub, released on 18 2021 via Recordings. The record features 10 tracks, including "As Blue as Indigo," "Sleepwalker," and "Blue Mist in My Head," characterized by introspective lyrics that confront themes of loss, anxiety, depression, and toxic masculinity. Written primarily by frontman Jamie Stephen Hall over two years, the album draws on the subjectivity of color to explore personal and emotional introspection. The production process took place at Brighton Electric Studios in the UK, where Hall served as co-producer alongside Adrian Bushby, handling vocals and while contributing multi-instrumental layers to capture the band's evolving sound. Mixing was overseen by Tom Dalgety, and mastering by Robin Schmidt, resulting in a polished yet raw aesthetic that balances progressive elements with immediate rock urgency. Following the high-energy intensity of their 2018 EP Evolve or Die, this album represented a shift toward greater emotional depth and maturity. Key singles from the album included "Stop Beating on My Heart (Like a Bass Drum)," released in February 2021 with an accompanying music video, and "Blue Mist in My Head," which debuted in April alongside its official video in August. These tracks highlighted the album's blend of alt-rock drive and vulnerability, earning praise for their melodic hooks and thematic honesty. Critics lauded As Blue as Indigo for redefining Tigercub's identity through swaggering riffs, tight grooves, and heartfelt delivery, with Kerrang! calling it a brilliant evolution and DIY Magazine awarding it four stars for its hook-laden rock. The album's reception underscored its success in merging emotional rawness with accessible alternative rock structures. Promotion occurred amid the ongoing recovery from the , with Tigercub launching a headline tour in and December 2021, featuring stops at venues like CHALK in , The Joiners in , and Lafayette in . These dates allowed the band to connect with fans through performances of the new material, marking a return to live shows after lockdowns.

The Perfume of Decay and recent developments

Tigercub released their third studio album, The Perfume of Decay, on 2 June 2023 via Loosegroove Records. The record marked a heavier evolution in the band's sound, blending intense riffs and dynamic shifts while maintaining thematic continuity from the introspective tones of As Blue as Indigo. It achieved commercial success, peaking at number 11 on the Independent Albums Chart. The title track, "The Perfume of Decay," peaked at number 28 on the Mainstream Rock chart. In 2024, Tigercub supported American rock band Chevelle on their summer headline tour across , providing opening performances at key venues including in , , on 5 August, and Tulsa Theater in , on 24 July. These shows highlighted the band's growing international presence and energetic live delivery of tracks from the album. The momentum continued into 2025 with the release of The Perfume of Decay (Redux), a reimagined edition featuring acoustic reinterpretations, new instrumentation, and remixes, issued on 24 January via Loosegroove Records. Notable contributions included Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard's remix of "Show Me My Maker," which emphasized a stripped-back, atmospheric approach. The Redux version entered the UK Official Record Store Chart at number 17 upon its vinyl release on 28 March. To promote the reissue, Tigercub played a sold-out headline show at Oslo Hackney in London on 18 April. In November 2025, Tigercub announced their fourth studio album, Nets to Catch the Wind, set for release in April 2026 via Loosegroove Records, preceded by the "Fall In Fall Out" on November 14, 2025. Throughout 2025, the band maintained an active schedule of European headline tours and festival appearances, solidifying their reputation on the continent.

Artistry

Musical style

Tigercub's music is primarily rooted in , incorporating elements of punk, , and , characterized by heavy, riff-driven guitar work and dynamic shifts between quiet introspection and explosive crescendos. The band's sound often features aggressive, overdriven riffs layered with textural depth, creating a visceral energy that avoids clean categorization into a single genre. Central to Tigercub's signature is frontman Jamie Stephen Hall's multifaceted guitar playing and vocal delivery, which blend layered, atmospheric tones with raw, emotive phrasing, often shifting from whispered vulnerability to soaring . This is underpinned by James Allix's propulsive, high-energy drumming that drives the rhythmic intensity, and Jimi Wheelwright's groovy, melodic bass lines that provide a solid yet fluid foundation for the trio's interplay. The result is a compact, three-piece setup that punches above its weight, emphasizing tight grooves and instrumental tension. Over time, Tigercub's style has evolved from the raw, experimental edge of their early EPs—marked by and influences—to the more polished, riff-centric of their 2023 album The Perfume of Decay, where production refines their noise-infused aggression without diluting its potency. In 2025, they released The Perfume of Decay (Redux), a reimagined acoustic version of the album featuring new arrangements and instrumentation that explores a more classical, introspective approach. This progression highlights a maturation in blending punk urgency with grunge's emotional heft, often drawing live comparisons to the raw power of Nirvana or the riff mastery of Royal Blood, while their announced fourth album Nets to Catch the Wind (due April 2026) promises continued thematic and sonic ambition.

Influences and themes

Tigercub's musical influences draw heavily from pioneers and contemporary heavy acts, shaping their dynamic sound and emotional depth. Frontman Jamie Stephen Hall has frequently cited Nirvana as a formative influence, particularly Kurt Cobain's raw alt-rock persona and ability to channel personal turmoil into music. Similarly, the band's early work reflects the dynamic quiet-loud contrasts pioneered by the Pixies, which Hall has acknowledged as a key inspiration in interviews. Modern influences include Royal Blood, with whom Tigercub have toured extensively, sharing a penchant for riff-driven intensity and minimalistic arrangements that amplify emotional weight. Hall has also drawn from diverse sources like for industrial edges and for polyrhythmic heaviness, blending these with personal drives rooted in struggles, including battles with depression that fuel his songwriting. Central to Tigercub's lyrics are recurring themes of anxiety, loss, existential dread, and , often serving as a vehicle for processing profound personal experiences. Across their , Hall explores the weight of mortality and grief, inspired by real-life tragedies such as the suicides of friends and family deaths, transforming these into visceral expressions of inner conflict. Tracks on albums like As Blue As Indigo delve into depression and toxic masculinity, portraying as an insidious force that "sleepwalks" into life, while later works like The Perfume of Decay confront self-doubt and the search for meaning amid decay. These motifs achieve through raw, confessional storytelling, as Hall has described music as a means to "pouring my heart out" and purging toxic emotions. In a 2021 interview, he elaborated on this philosophy, stating, "That’s why we make music: to express the inexpressible," emphasizing the band's role in articulating the unspoken struggles of . Tigercub's visual aesthetics reinforce these introspective themes, with album artwork and evoking decay, isolation, and gothic . Videos often adopt a dark, nocturnal palette, such as the "Control" clip, which wanders through ’s hazy streets to reveal a more vulnerable, human side of the band. Similarly, the "The Perfume of Decay" video unfolds in a foreboding, isolated manor with cult-like hooded figures, underscoring themes of and existential unease through stark, atmospheric visuals. This consistent emphasis on shadowed, decaying motifs mirrors the lyrical focus on inner turmoil, creating a cohesive artistic identity centered on raw emotional excavation.

Band members

Current members

Tigercub's current lineup consists of its three core members, who have formed a stable since 2012 with no changes in personnel. The band remains rooted in the music scene, though members now reside primarily in and . Jamie Stephen Hall serves as the band's founder, , and , having established Tigercub in 2011 alongside drummer James Allix while studying at BIMM (British and Irish Modern Music Institute) in . Originally from in northeast , Hall grew up in a conservative environment before immersing himself in 's vibrant community, where he honed his skills as a performer and songwriter. As the primary songwriter, Hall has penned the majority of Tigercub's material, drawing from personal experiences to craft introspective lyrics and dynamic guitar riffs that define the band's sound; his contributions are particularly prominent in albums like As Blue as Indigo, where he co-produced the album with Adrian Bushby and released it on the band's own Blame Recordings label. Standing at seven feet tall, Hall's commanding stage presence amplifies the band's high-energy performances. James Allix, co-founder and drummer since 2011, provides the rhythmic backbone that drives Tigercub's intense live shows and recordings. Meeting Hall at BIMM in , Allix brought a background in session work and production to the group, eventually serving as co-producer on their albums and musical director for live setups, including playback technology. His drumming style emphasizes dynamic shifts and industrial influences—such as incorporating chains into sessions for added texture—creating pulsating rhythms that underpin the band's grunge-infused rock and enhance their explosive concert energy. Now based in , Allix continues to shape Tigercub's percussive foundation without interruption. Jimi Wheelwright joined as in 2012, completing the trio after Hall and Allix sought a low-end anchor to solidify their sound. Also a BIMM alumnus from the cohort, Wheelwright contributes driving bass lines that provide the band's sonic weight, often layering in backing vocals for harmonic depth. His playing style focuses on clever, melodic grooves that propel tracks forward. Still residing in , Wheelwright remains integral to the band's cohesive dynamic.

Touring and additional musicians

Tigercub, performing as their core trio of Jamie Stephen Hall on vocals and guitar, James Allix on drums, and Jimi on bass, has maintained a rigorous touring schedule since 2018, primarily handling all live duties without formal additional members. The band has conducted multiple headline tours across the and , including a notable run in November and December 2021 supporting their album As Blue as Indigo, with dates in , , Tunbridge Wells, and other cities. These outings have built on earlier European support slots, such as opening for Royal Blood in 2017, to establish a presence in the scene. In 2024, Tigercub expanded their international reach with a support slot on Chevelle's summer North American headline tour, spanning 18 dates from July 21 in , to August 10 in , alongside opener Return to Dust. This marked a significant push, following earlier appearances like their 2023 set at SXSW. The band has also graced major festivals, including Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival in (May 2023), Pointfest in (May 2023), and in , Georgia (May 2024). In 2025, performed at a Halloween special concert in on October 31, alongside Nuns of the Tundra, and announced their fourth studio album Nets to Catch the Wind, set for release in April 2026, confirming the continued stability of the core trio. Tigercub's live reputation centers on high-energy, dynamic sets that captivate audiences with intense riffs and raw delivery, as evidenced by reviews of their 2024 performances alongside Chevelle, where they were praised for electrifying the stage with relentless vigor. The trio manages all touring obligations.

Discography

Studio albums

Tigercub's debut studio , Abstract Figures in the Dark, was released on 11 2016 by the independent label Alcopop! Records. The full-length effort features 9 tracks and represents the band's first venture into long-form recording after earlier extended plays. It was produced independently, showcasing raw energy. The band's second studio album, As Blue as Indigo, arrived on 18 June 2021 through BLAME Recordings. Comprising 10 tracks, the record champions , drawing on the subjectivity of color to explore emotional and psychological depths. It peaked at number 67 on the Scottish Albums Chart. Tigercub's third studio album, The Perfume of Decay, was issued on 2 June 2023 via Loosegroove Records. The 11-track release marked a commercial milestone, peaking at number 9 on the Independent Album Breakers Chart and number 16 on the Rock & Metal Albums Chart. A Redux edition, featuring remixed versions of the original tracks, followed on 28 March 2025.

Extended plays

Tigercub's debut , known as Hands or the self-titled Tigercub EP, was self-released in 2013 as a limited edition . The EP consists of three tracks: "Little Rope", "Centrefold", and "". The follow-up EP, Repressed Semantics, arrived on November 27, 2015, through Records in a limited edition yellow 12-inch vinyl format at 45 RPM. It features five tracks—"Pictures of You" (3:35), "" (2:53), "" (3:04), "Bittersweet Motherfucker" (2:52), and "The End" (2:40)—for a total runtime of 15:04. This release showcases noisy experimentation with distorted, grunge-influenced tones. In 2017, Tigercub issued Evolve or Die on September 29 via ! Records as a limited edition red 12-inch vinyl at RPM. The EP includes four tracks: "The Divided States of Us" (3:05), "" (4:24), "" (3:52), and "Faking Laughter" (4:04), with an overall duration of approximately 15:25. It marks a transitional heavier sound blending , , and psych elements.

Singles

Tigercub's early single "Centrefold"/"Trendsetter", released on 1 December 2014 on Jazz Life Records, marked an early breakthrough and received critical acclaim. Produced by Tom Dalgety, "Blue Blood," released in April 2014 on Raygun Records, showcased the band's abrasive rock sound and garnered attention from BBC Radio 1. From their second album, "Stop Beating on My Heart (Like a Bass Drum)" was released as a single on 12 March 2021 via BLAME Recordings. The band's 2022 single "The Perfume of Decay," released on October 12 via Loosegroove Records, served as the lead track for their third studio album of the same name, issued in June 2023. It peaked at No. 28 on the US Mainstream Rock chart, highlighting Tigercub's growing international presence. "Play My Favourite Song," released on 24 February 2023, served as a single from The Perfume of Decay. In February 2024, Tigercub released a of "Show Me My Maker" by guitarist , co-produced with Josh Evans, as part of the Redux edition of The Perfume of Decay. The reimagined the original album track with atmospheric elements and was issued as a standalone single ahead of the full Redux release in early 2025. On 14 November 2025, Tigercub released "Fall In Fall Out" as the lead single from their upcoming fourth studio album Nets to Catch the Wind, set for release on 10 April 2026 via Loosegroove Records.

References

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