Jools (band)

Jools is a British punk band from Leicester.

History
Jools formed in Leicester, originally as a 6-piece all-male group with members Mitchell Gordon, Peter McLeod, Chris Johnston, Ellis Crowson, Sam Shooter and Thomas Selby. The band took their name "Jools" from Jools Holland, after they watched the band Shame, perform on Holland's late-night talk show, Later... with Jools Holland.

The band describes their sound as being influenced by the Beat Generation movement, and describe bands such as The Cure, Pixies and The Streets as influences.

On 12 November 2019, Jools released their first single, "Hysterical Starving Naked". In describing the track, Ellie Howorth from LDOI said that the band takes "gritty punk vocals, and places them alongside roaring guitars, broad basslines and thrashing drums, crafting a pit-inducing heavy rock sound." Following the release of the single, Jools was compared to several post-punk and noise rock bands from the region, including IDLES, Shame, and Fontaines D.C.

In early 2020, Jools released their second single, "Spineless" on 27 March 2020, which was lauded by some critics for the pro-socialist lyrics. Matthew Brocklehurt, writing for When the Horn Blows called "Spineless" the band coming into their own.

Sam and Chris appeared to have departed the band by the time of their next single release, “How Can Some Experience What Pride is Without Liberation For All?” (Released 18 September 2020), with Ryan Chapman joining the band. The single was named “Rockest Record” that week on the BBC Radio One Rock Show by host, Daniel P Carter. Carter featured the track several times prominently thereafter and also supported the band’s fourth single, “Cross-Dressing in a Freudian Slip” (released 27 November 2020).

Kate Price appears to have joined the band as a second vocalist in early 2021 and for a period the band appeared to be a 7-piece (more info needed). After tours supporting Black Foxxes (late 2021) and Boston Manor (early 2022) around the UK, the band announced they had signed with Raw Power Management on 27 April 2022, the band played a number of shows that September as part of The National Lottery’s “Revive Live” tour.

In early 2023, prior to support slots with Hot Milk in February, Chris Johnston and Jacob (…) rejoined the band, and Chelsea Wrones joined as the group’s new drummer. At this time the band had reverted back to performing as a six-piece and announced in March that they were working towards recording an EP.

Performing sporadically across 2023, including appearances at Handmade Festival and Kendal Calling, and headlining their first London show, another lineup change saw Jacob again depart the band, replaced by Joe Dodd on bass, and Callum Connachie join on guitars.

On 27 March 2024, the band announced they had signed to Hassle Records. Their first single for the label, “97%”, was released on 5 April 2024; it was featured as Daniel P Carter’s Tune of the Week on the Radio One Rock Show three days later. Hassle Records announced that “97%” would be released as a double A-side single with “FKA” digitally and on 7” vinyl on 21 June 2024.

Singles

 * "Hysterical Starving Naked" (2019)
 * "Spineless" (2020)
 * "How Can Some Experience What Pride Is Without Liberation for All" (2020)
 * "Cross-Dressing in a Freudian Slip" (2020)
 * ”97%” / “FKA” (2024)