Oxford-based speed-pop New Wave rockers with a penchant for nylon suits and star jumps, The Samurai Seven played their first gig in February 1997. They rapidly built a large following locally as well as around the south of England and London with a live-wire stage show and a blistering fusion of classic rock and pop, from the Who and the Beach Boys to the Buzzcocks and Adam & the Ants.

The Samurai Seven have supported the likes of Unbelievable Truth, The Interpreters and The Kings of Infinite Space and were chosen as the best band on Radio 1 Sound City 1997 Fringe bill by the festival organisers. More recently they were filmed by Channel Four as part of a documentary on the Oxford music scene, hosted by John Peel, broadcast in March 1999 - they also recorded the programme's theme tune, a cover of The Members' classic Sound of the Suburbs. They have released one single since their Shifty debut - a track on a Fierce Panda split EP thing. But it's probably sold out now. Like the Shifty single. Popular guys.

Line up: Simon Williams - lead vocals & lead guitar;
Matt Williams - rhythm guitar, lead brother & vocals;
Jimmy Martin - bass & vocals;
Chris Hayward - drums.

Picture of the band.

The Samurai Seven web site.