The Dandys were an indie-pop act that formed in 1996 and released their debut (and unfortunately only) album, Symphonic Screams in 1998. It was a great blend of quirky indie, but didn't chart well at all. The album featured the singles "I Wanna Be Like You", "Dirty Weekend", "You Make Me Want To Scream" and "English Country Garden".

Eventually Mercury, their record label, had a clear out of underselling artists (who also included Kylie Minogue) and the Dandys were dropped.

Later incarnations of the band, all featuring singer Andy Firth, include Soulshaker, Sonar, The Shanks, The Clients and most recently Deltawave.


Trivia

The songs "I Wanna Be Like You" and "All That You Do" were featured in the first series of British comedy/drama Teachers.

The Dandys performed the song English Country Garden on BBC Sunday morning television programme Fully Booked.

The Dandys are often seen as an influence on fellow Leeds band Kaiser Chiefs.

Although from Leeds, the band is more associated with the York music scene which was far more vibrant during the 1990s and early 2000s.

The Shanks were named after toilet manufacturer Armitage Shanks because the band wanted to make 'really dirty music'.

Shed Seven bass player Tom Gladwin was also in The Clients.