Biography

Taking their name from an old-fashioned term for a good friend, Coves is the psychedelic garage pop duo of vocalist Rebekah Wood and multi-instrumentalist John Ridgard. The pair met when they worked at a music venue in Leamington Spa, England and were inspired to make music together after a drunken night out. Inspired by '60s garage rock as well as visionary producers like Joe Meek, Phil Spector, and Martin Hannett, the pair recorded a self-titled EP in Ridgard's studio, which they self-released in August 2011. Those songs caught the attention of A&R man and 1965 label founder James Endeacott, who joined the band's management team, and of Echo & the Bunnymen, who invited the duo to tour with them in early 2012. After signing to the Cross Keys label, Coves released their official debut EP, Cast a Shadow, in May 2012, and the single "Last Desire" followed in March 2013 on 1965. Later that year, the duo's cover of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" earned them more online attention, and their single "Beatings" appeared that October. One more single, "Cast a Shadow," heralded the March 2014 release of Coves' debut album, Soft Friday. After moving to London, the duo began work on their second album, teaming with producer Cam Blackwood for 2016's swaggering, harder-edged Peel. ~ Heather Phares, Rovi