King Adora: The Biography
Written by Matt Farrington Smith
Formed in late 1998 by front man Matt Browne and guitarist Martyn Nelson, the band were up-until-recently beginning to gain some real recognition. Later joined by Robbie G and Dan Dabrowski (on bass and drums) and sharing their name with a vibrator of giant proportions, King Adora finally secured a record deal with The Bluetone's Superior Quality Recordings.
They toured their hometown Birmingham, they did the Carling Weekend, T in the park 2000 and then supported Mansun on tour. Supported by Radio One and Melody Maker (RIP) they attacted increasing interest.
Upon the release of the first couple of limited edition singles, interest quickly blossomed. Radio 1's Steve Lamacq began to take notice. Big Is Beautiful followed in July and with Smoulder in September. The debut album Vibrate You (a reference to the lyric found in Smoulder) scored a top 40 hit in the official UK album chart - with a first week placing of 31. The singles Suffocate and reissue of Bionic gave the band a further two chart-bothering entries. Bionic remains the band's biggest single to date.
After some corporate politics with their record label - the next single Friday Night Explodes got an internet only release. The boys went on to headline the Radio 1 Evening Session event held in Birmingham on 31st October 2001, after Weezer unfortunately pulled out. This gig was broadcast in its entirity live on Radio1.
What seemed like a long absence from the stages, King Adora returned in late 2003 with a double A-side single. Born 2 Lose/Kamikaze reinforced the fact King Adora has returned and were eager to make a noise. Now signed to the fledging Discovery label, they released the first proper single from followup album Who Do You Love - Drag, a rompy T-Rex infused swagger.
Who Do You Love was unleashed in March 2004 and backed by an extensive tour.
Now, a year later the band have just completed a support-slot for New Model Army - on the recent Kerrang Session showcase. With rumours of a DVD chronicling their explosive live shows and 3rd album recording in full swing - things looked good for the KA camp. It is therefore ironic that this (last) triumphant gig comprised mainly of new material, whether or not we'll ever hear these songs again, sadly - remains to be seen.
For the time at least, King Adora have hung up their glittered guitars.
ARCHIVE: Candid tour-bus exploits! (Courtesy of Nelsta)
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