The Bridewell Taxis: A Leeds Indie Gem

In the vibrant landscape of the late 1980s and early 1990s UK music scene, Leeds was a fertile ground for emerging talent. Among the bands that carved out a significant niche was The Bridewell Taxis, a group whose journey from local beginnings to a notable presence on the indie charts is a testament to their creative energy and resilience. Though their time as a collective was relatively brief, their impact resonated, evolving into The Bridewells and leaving behind a discography that continues to be appreciated by fans of the era.

The Genesis of The Bridewell Taxis

The story of The Bridewell Taxis begins in Leeds in 1987. Initially known as Morality Play, the group's early performances took place at an Unemployed Music project in Leeds. This same project was instrumental in launching other significant Leeds collaborations, including the acclaimed Nightmares on Wax. At this formative stage, Mick Roberts was actively engaged in crafting song lyrics and ideas, collaborating with his childhood friend John Halnon and Marcus Waite. Upon Roberts's joining, the band underwent a transformation, adopting the name The Bridewell Taxis. This moniker was a clever, albeit dark, nickname for local police vans, hinting at a certain edge to their artistic sensibility. Their inaugural gig was held in 1988 at the Royal Park, and their very first release was a distinctive blue flexi-disc featuring the tracks "Lies" and "Just Good Friends." This single was distributed for free alongside a local fanzine, a common practice that fostered a strong connection between bands and their burgeoning fan bases during that period.

Early Releases and Rising Profile

The momentum built by their initial free release soon translated into more formal ventures. In the autumn of 1989, The Bridewell Taxis launched their first EP, "Just Good Friends," through their own independent label, Stolen Records. This release proved to be a significant step, charting at number 18 on the highly influential UK Indie Chart. The band continued to gain traction with their second single, "Give In," which featured "Whole Damn Nation" on the B-side. Notably, "Whole Damn Nation" was also given a dance remix, showcasing the band's willingness to experiment with different sounds and production styles. This period saw The Bridewell Taxis stepping up their game, headlining their own gigs and becoming regular fixtures at iconic venues across the North of England. Places like The Warehouse in Leeds, The Boardwalk in Manchester, and The Leadmill in Sheffield became familiar stages for the band, allowing them to cultivate a loyal following.

The Debut LP: "Invisible to You"

The culmination of their early efforts arrived with the release of their debut LP, "Invisible to You." This album was primarily a compilation of their previous Stolen Records releases, enhanced with two brand new tracks, offering a comprehensive look at their developing sound. The launch of "Invisible to You" was celebrated with a homecoming concert at Leeds Town Hall on 5 July. The significance of this event was further amplified by the fact that it was filmed for a subsequent video release, capturing the band at a pivotal moment. Despite the relatively limited amount of entirely new material, "Invisible to You" performed exceptionally well commercially, remaining on the indie charts for a commendable six weeks. This success underscored the band's growing popularity and the resonance of their music with the indie audience.

The Breakup and Transition

However, the trajectory of The Bridewell Taxis was not without its challenges. As guitarist Sean McElhone announced his departure, the band attempted to maintain momentum with a pre-Christmas concert booked at The Warehouse, Leeds, for 11 December. Unfortunately, this event was plagued by issues, including poor attendance and significant technical problems. The atmosphere was tense, and the band ultimately left the stage to boos from their home crowd. This disappointing performance marked the end of an era, with the band officially splitting up that very night. The sudden dissolution left many fans disheartened, but the creative forces behind the band were not entirely extinguished.

The Emergence of The Bridewells

Following the breakup of the original lineup, the core members Mick Roberts, Carl A. Finlow, and Alaric Neville continued their collaborative efforts, focusing on writing and playing music together. A pivotal moment arrived when Chris Walton, previously involved with the band, rejoined at the request of Imaginary Records for a Motown cover version. This led to the demoing of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues," alongside a collection of new songs. A cassette tape of this session found its way to Phil Manzanera, the renowned guitarist of Roxy Music and a significant figure in the music industry through his studio and label. This connection proved to be instrumental in the next chapter of their musical journey.

Under the new moniker, The Bridewells, the band played their first gig at The Warehouse, Leeds, on 17 February 1992. Their output continued with an EP titled "Smile I Still Care," recorded at Manzanera's studio in Chertsey, West London. This EP was released on Expression Records on 15 June. Following this, their album "Cage" was also released by Expression on 19 October. During the recording of "Cage," it became apparent that Mick Roberts's hearing loss was increasingly impacting his ability to monitor his sound effectively, making live performances progressively more challenging. Coupled with financial difficulties encountered by Expression Records, these factors effectively brought The Bridewells' activities to a halt. Their final performance was captured on film at The Warehouse for ITV, featuring the album's title track, "Cage," and a new song, "World Stop Turning." This performance was recorded on 23 March 1993, marking another significant, albeit final, chapter.

Reunion and Legacy

The enduring appeal of their music led to a reunion in 2005. Mick Roberts, Sean McElhone, and Glenn Scullion came back together to play a series of dates. They were joined by twins James (bass) and Jools Metcalfe (guitar), adding a new dynamic to the reunited lineup. The band played a highly successful, sell-out reunion gig in Leeds in October 2005, followed by two more performances in their hometown. The following year, The Bridewell Taxis embarked on a short tour, culminating in a final show at Leeds University Union. Sadly, the band disbanded once more in June 2006, bringing a definitive end to their live activities.

Discography Overview

The Bridewell Taxis and The Bridewells left behind a notable body of work, encompassing singles, EPs, albums, and video releases. Their discography includes:

Singles and EPs

• Just Good Friends EP ("Just Good Friends", "Too Long", "Wild Boar", "Hold On") (Stolen, 1989)
• "Give In" c/w "Whole Damn Nation" (featuring "Whole Dance Nation" remix by Steve and Andy Williams from K-Klass) (Stolen, 1990)
• "Honesty" c/w "Aegis" (Stolen, 1990)
• "Spirit" (featuring LFO Spirit remix) (Stolen, 1990)
• "Don't Fear the Reaper" c/w "Face in the Crowd" (featuring "What Noise Reaper" remix by Chris Nagle) (Stolen, 1991)
• Smile EP (as The Bridewells) ("Smile I Still Care", "Missing Link", "World of Lies", "Return") (Expression, 1992)

Albums

• Invisible to You (Stolen, 1991)
• Cage (as The Bridewells) (Expression, 1992)
• Bridewell Revisited: Stolen Sound People (2013)

Videos

• Precious Times: A History of The Bridewell Taxis (Stolen, 1990)
• Live at The Hacienda (Jettisoundz, 1990)
• The Invisible Smile: Live at Leeds Town Hall (Alternative Image, 1991)

Compilation Appearances

Their music also featured on various compilation albums, including:

• Indie Chart Hits Vol. 11 - "Spirit" (Beechwood, 1990)
• Indie Top 20 Vol. 12 - "Don't Fear the Reaper" (Beechwood, 1991)
• Knowing Where It All Leeds - "Moving Fast" (Stolen Sounds, 1991)
• The Expression She Pulled 12 - "World Stop Turning" (as The Bridewells) (ESP, 1992)
• The Expression She Pulled 14 - "Shame" (as The Bridewells) (ESP, 1993)
• United City - "Girl" (as The Bridewells) (Soundcity, 2007)

TV Appearance

The Bridewells also featured on television:

• The Warehouse - "Cage" and "World Stop Turning" (recorded 23 March, broadcast 30 April, ITV, 1993)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What was the original name of The Bridewell Taxis?
The original name of the band was Morality Play.

Q2: Where did The Bridewell Taxis originate?
They originated in Leeds, England.

Q3: What was the nickname that inspired the band's name?
The name "The Bridewell Taxis" was a nickname for local police vans.

Q4: What was their debut LP?
Their debut LP was titled "Invisible to You."

Q5: Did the band reunite?
Yes, the band reunited in 2005 and played several dates before splitting again in 2006.

The Bridewell Taxis, and later The Bridewells, represent a significant chapter in the UK's indie music history. Their journey from the Leeds music scene to charting success and subsequent evolution showcases the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of artistic endeavors. Their music, characterized by thoughtful lyrics and evolving sounds, continues to be a touchstone for fans who appreciate the raw energy and creativity of the late 80s and early 90s indie era.