The Backfires are a band with unique transatlantic origins. Comprised of Alex Gomez (frontman), Harry Ruprecht (lead guitar), Matt Walter (bass), and Max Wanduragala (drums), half of the band are from the UK (Harry & Max) and half are from the US (Alex & Matt).
The band was founded in late 2018 when Alex, Harry, and Max all moved to London for university. Harry and Max were studying at University College London (UCL), while Alex was based out of New York University in London (NYU). Having met at UCL’s Live Music Society, the trio spent their first 6 months writing and playing historic venues across London. In mid-2019, the trio were joined by bassist Matt, a friend and former band mate of Alex’s, in London to write and record.
In January 2020, the band regrouped in London to record an EP with engineer and producer Ian Flynn. Despite success in the studio, the release of the EP was disrupted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and being an international rock band, the group were forced to delay the release of the EP and finish it entirely remotely. Wanting to make the most of the situation, the band collaborated with producer Josh Tyrrell to finish the mix of the EP virtually, set out to grow a social media following, and worked on a press release for the new tracks. The band’s debut single “Anything” was released on October 16th, 2020, followed by a second single “the Man” on November 13th 2020, and finally the release of their debut EP ‘Consider the Backfires’ on February 19th, 2021. The releases were supported by three music videos. The music video for “The Man” (directed by Benjy Berkowitz) was featured at the Lake Travis Film Festival (2021) and the music video for “Going Gets Easy” (directed by Ollie Uglow, in collaboration with Berkowitz) won an award at Bristol Film in Flux festival. Because of the pandemic, the latter of the two videos was produced entirely internationally with separate filming days taking place in the UK and the US.
Following the release, the band have spent the remainder of 2021 preparing for their next release. In addition to Gomez and Ruprecht refocusing their writing efforts in a new partnership, the band worked together on numerous new songs. In June 2021, the group re-entered the studio to record their next single. This again was done internationally with the US members working out of a studio in New York City and the English members a studio in East London. The band are currently hoping to concentrate their efforts in one location and plan to be based out of New York City. They are on course for a jam-packed end to 2021.
“When the band locks in together they instantly transport you back to packed venues and sold-out shows, capturing all the brilliant escapism that nights out represent” – Under the Radar.
