The On Offs

The On Offs became one of the most talked-about new bands in the U.K. not long after they debuted in 2005, but the group's members had already had considerable experience under their belts. Lead singer and guitarist Danny Connors had previously worked as a solo act and recorded an EP for Deltasonic, the British label which launched the Coral and the Zutons, while bassist Andy Crofts and drummer Luke Goddard had spent the better part of ten years in the bands Circa and the High Drivers. In the summer of 2005, the first edition of the On Offs came together from the wreckage of a ska band Crofts was trying to assemble; originally the lineup was Connors, Crofts, and a drummer named Mackie, but when Mackie dropped out, Goddard came on board to handle percussion. Playing straightforward indie rock with a punky edge and lots of energy, the On Offs won a loyal following in their native Northampton, and in early 2006 the group released their debut single, "This Town" b/w "Grow Your Own," through the independent outfit Label Fandango. Thanks to good press and constant live work, both headlining at clubs and playing larger venues opening for the likes of the Kooks and the Rakes, the On Offs became one of Britain's major buzz bands, and made a fan of U.K. rock legend Paul Weller. A second single, "Wrong Upstairs" b/w/ "Your Loss," appeared in the summer of 2006, and the band promised more recordings and new songs for 2007. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide