Biography

The new wave-influenced ensemble Performance -- sometimes billed as (We Are) Performance -- make catchy, '80s inspired pop with a dance-rock bent. Formed in Manchester in 2005, the band features lead singer Joe Stretch, guitarist/vocalist Laura Marsden, drummer Joe Cross, and keyboardist Hilary Marsden. The band originally signed to Polydor before label issues forced an end to the record deal, after which the band changed its name to (We Are) Performance and released their self-titled full-length debut on Too Much Information in 2007. After promoting the album, the bandmembers decided to pursue other personal interests resulting in a two-year hiatus. During this time, Stretch published two novels, including Friction in 2008 and Wildlife in 2009. Also during this time, bandmembers Laura Marsden and Cross formed the band Kiss in Cities, and Cross found production work with the similarly inclined Mancunian band Hurts. When the band finally reconvened, it was without Hilary Marsden, who had decided not to return. In 2010, the band reverted to the name of Performance and released its sophomore album, Red Brick Heart. ~ Matt Collar, Rovi