Joe Lean

British indie rock band Joe Lean & the Jing Jang Jong are the brainchild of actor and musician Joe Lean, who under the name Joe Van Moyland was a regular on the BBC television series The Tudors and appeared in the films Brothers of the Head, Color Me Kubrick, and Starter for Ten. Since refocusing his career on music, Joe worked as a drummer for the Pipettes before launching his own band; Lean sings lead, with guitarists Tommy D and Dom O'Dare, bassist Panda, and drummer Bummer Jong. Originally called Joe Lean & the Tantrums, the group made its debut as Joe Lean & the Jing Jang Jong in early 2007. They soon began making a name for themselves on the U.K. club circuit, opening for the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs, Dizzee Rascal, and Babyshambles and earning an enthusiastic audience for their jangling guitars, pop hooks, and dance-friendly rhythms. In October 2007 they landed a recording deal with Vertigo Records and issued their first single, "Lucio Stars Fires." A second single, "Lonely Buoy," was released in March 2008, and a third, "Where Do You Go," appeared in shops in late May. The group's debut album has been announced for release in the U.K. on August 25, 2008. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide