Artist ID: Camber

Hailing from Kent in the United Kingdom, the three-piece band Camber offer something more than the typical English guitar-rock indie group. Rather than representing the post-punk scene Britain has been steadily acclaimed for, the group pull inspiration from across the pond to produce their unique indie-Americana sound. Fans of Pinegrove’s confessional lyrics and Hudson Freeman’s acoustic resonance will feel right at home at a Camber gig- the band’s own music being a blend of the two, with added electric elements.

Camber’s debut EP, What Would You Do?, was released in October of last year and is a strong introduction to the trio’s sonic style. The title track has a very Sam Fender-esque sound, with a clear lyrical focus and anthemic chorus. The closing track, “Shoreline”, definitely exemplifies the American and much folkier influences of the band. An ambient electric guitar supports the melancholy acoustic strumming to generate just over three minutes of bittersweet nostalgia.

Of course, a single EP is only so much, but rest assured, as Camber has let us know, new music is right around the corner.

What better way to anticipate new music than to have a personal deep dive into the band’s personal inspirations, favourite albums and songs? Here is exactly that, as they have curated 19 songs for us to expect woven influence in their upcoming music.

Palisade - Pinegrove

Rudolph - MJ Lenderman

Place To Be - Nick Drake

Townies - Wednesday

Epilogue - Wunderhorse

Masterpiece - Big Thief

Willin' - Little Feat

Over The Hill - John Martyn

Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell

Recycling (Audiotree Live Version) - Pinegrove

Reelin' In The Years - Steely Dan

The Wahs - Westside Cowboy

Game Theory - Devine King

Josie - Steely Dan

Green River - Creedence Clearwater Revival

Mercenary Territory - Little Feat

Ocean - John Butler

Never Meant - American Football

She Said - Longpigs

Listen to the exclusive playlist here on Spotify

There's a large variety in this mix, with tunes from Joni Mitchell, Wunderhorse and Steely Dan standing out. The trio embrace this diversity between them and uses it to strengthen a unique approach to their own music.

“Each of us has a unique music taste which, when combined, makes what we consider the 'Camber' sound.”

Singer and songwriter Elliott could be credited for many of the acoustic picks in the band’s shared mixtape, on account of their great influence on his own creative works.

“Elliott listens to a lot of folk and country, which shapes his songwriting and guitar parts.”

Nick Drake’s “Place To Be” and Big Thief’s “Masterpiece” stand out here, with a common denominator of profound lyricism and heartfelt guitar finding their way into Camber’s music.

Taking a step away from the indie-folk scene, bassist Joe shifts slightly towards a more technical musical approach.

“Joe is a primarily jazz and funk-oriented bass player.”

Few indie-aligned bands have this insight into the more funk-based side of the musical spectrum, making this uncommon case an artistically defining feature of the three-piece.

Lastly, percussionist and manager of the technical side, Paddy leans towards a rock-centred influence - not too shocking as a drummer.

“Paddy is much more into the heavier side of things.”

His go-to album, The Sun Is Often Out by Longpigs, makes sense of the song “She Said” from that album, closing the band’s playlist, with the strong drumming reflecting in Paddy’s part in his own band.

It won’t be long before Camber outgrow the intimate venues they are currently playing, and as listeners, we can only make the most of it by grabbing each ticket opportunity and await even more music.