User:HydrantDrone/sandbox

Three And A Half Minutes (band) or 3½ Minutes were a 4 piece indie band from Bishop's Stortford, Essex.

The line-up comprised of Matthew Carey (Lead Vocal, Guitar) Laurence Carey (Bass, Vocals) Stephen Barber (Guitar) Alex Boucher (Drums). Matthew, Laurence and Stephen attended Bishop's Stortford College and formed the band in the late 80's. Alex joined the band in 1991 and shortly after, the band recorded a new demo tape called Sensible Hair. The band started to get attention from local press and they would regularly play at The Square, Harlow, supporting popular bands of the time, such as Mega City Four, Love's Young Nightmare and Scorpio Rising.

With band manager Mac Mcdonald, they recorded another demo, entitled "Cute" at Von Studio's in London. That summer, they supported The Pogues at a concert in Harlow Town Park. With more gigs in London and a growing queue of record companies lining up to sign the band, they parted ways with Mac and signed to an indie label created by 3 record company execs: Mike Smith of EMI, Andy Saunders and Ben Wardle from EastWest. The band released their first EP " Peep" on Scared Hitless Records in 1992, garnering positive reviews and Single of the Week in NME. Tours and support slots followed with Sultans of Ping FC, Kingmaker, Ned's Atomic Dustbin and a support slot opening for Suede, Mega City Four and Blur at the Town & Country Club in Kentish Town.

Off the back of a headline gig at the Camden Falcon, they were spotted by Laura Ziffren of Hollywood Records and were subsequently signed to the label. Their 2nd EP Bled Me Dry was released in 1993 on CD and 12" vinyl, showing a more mature sound but with the thrashy, punky sound they were known for. Bled Me Dry was also featured on the soundtrack to comedy movie, Son In-Law. After a recording session with Hugh Jones at Rockfield Studios, it became clear that musical tastes were changing and with new manager Tim Smith they parted ways with Hollywood Records.

Shortly after, Alex left the band to join Travis Cut and they changed their name to Poloroid. When the camera brand objected, the name was changed to In Aura and they signed to EMI Records. The sound was more sonic and electronic compared to 3 1/2 Minutes guitar led songs. After an album and tour, they disbanded.