Music Saturday - London Grammar

Every week again... we're presenting another album of bands or singers we currently love. This week: London Grammar - If you wait.

London Grammar are a British trio formed by Hannah Reid, Dot Major and Dan Rothman. Their debut album If You Wait was released on 9 September 2013.

Vocalist Hannah Reid and guitarist Dan Rothman met in a residence hall at the University of Nottingham during their first year in 2009. Rothman saw a picture of Reid on Facebook with a guitar and sent her a message to see if she wanted to collaborate. Multi-instrumentalist Dot Major (keyboard, djembe, drums) was added later, after being introduced to the band by Rothman's girlfriend. The band began by playing low-key gigs at local bars. Several years later, on 12 December 2012, the trio posted their song "Hey Now" on YouTube.

Their EP Metal & Dust followed in February 2013. They released their single "Wasting My Young Years" in June 2013, peaking to number 31 on the UK Singles Chart. The band also featured on Disclosure's #1 UK album Settle with the track "Help Me Lose My Mind", released in June 2013. 

On 1 September 2013, they released "Strong", which peaked at number 16 on the UK Singles Chart. The following week, on the 9th, they released their debut studio album If You Wait, very well received. 

London Grammar's music has been described as "a blend of ambient, ethereal and classical sounds" with melancholy guitar, soaring vocals and plaintive lyrics. Hannah Reid's powerful, brooding vocals are often compared to those of Judie Tzuke and Florence Welch. Reid also contributes to the band through her self-written lyrics which she describes as "emotionally affected".




Every time I have to study, there's a cd I listen to almost every day. Last year, it was one by Parov Stelar, Bastille and Sigur Ros. This time, it's definitely this debut album by London Grammar. When I've just spend some hours behind my books in total silence, this cd is an excellent break! I therefore was very happy when my brother in law gave me this cd as a christmas present, together with 11 more! Lucky me! :)

If you like this album, you should really read the Pitchfork album review!

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy the music!
Love, Louise