‘Afraid of the Dark’ are a shoegaze band based in London. Formed in Bristol 2021, by Gwen Sutterby and Ben Lui Simpkins they combine soft acoustic influences with ambient grunge, for a unique, ethereal sound.  

​

The band began as a live four-piece act at Bath College.  With their original drummer and bassist, Louis Webb and Joe Philips playing at venues including the Cheese and Grain and Glastonbury Festival 2022.

​

A move to London brought Ashleigh Seager (Hertfordshire) to the drums and Charlotte Olivia (Sheffield) to bass guitar and backing vocals. While recording new material, they have also played multiple sell out shows across London. This haunting grunge sound gathered audiences for moody and enchanting performances at venues such as 'The Hope and Anchor' and 'Windmill Brixton' alongside a festival slot at Boomtown in 2023.

​

Although influenced by Wolf Alice, Daughter and Just Mustard, the band are refreshingly unique, with raw and truthful lyrics inspired by poetry and European folklore. An ethereal feeling travels through their work and at live shows, ranging from quiet ambience to heavy riffs flooded in reverbs, delays and distortion. 

​

To complement their sound, the band both made and commissioned unique artwork for their upcoming single and online presence. Members of the band also designed and hand printed merch for sale. The visuals expand on their fairylike and grungy theme created in their work. The different musical backgrounds of the members bring a wide range of ideas that has developed the sound into a strong, diverse yet cohesive repertoire. With these elements combined, the band look forward to playing more gigs and festivals and releasing music.​

​

The band are currently working with producer Dom Kirtley preparing their debut single for release in 2024.

 

"to the moss, lichen and bracken that will grow over our bones"