Initially, they played at night clubs in the greater London area and recorded some demos under the name of Fleeing New York before changing their name to Band of Skulls in November 2008. Their debut album Baby Darling Dollface Honey, distributed by Shangri-La Music, was released exclusively on the iTunes Store on 6 March 2009, followed by a general release on 20 March. The track I Know What I Am was chosen as iTunes' free Single of the Week to coincide with the digital release. The song was also featured in the soundtrack for TV series Friday Night Lights, Volume 2, which was released on 4 May 2010. The song also appeared in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. Another track that was not actually on the album, "Friends", was included on The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack in November 2009.
On 23 March 2010, Band of Skulls released Friends EP, which includes the studio-recorded version of "Friends", a live version, and a music video of the song.
Band of Skulls played at the SXSW Festival in early 2010 and toured the Midwest in March in support of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The band appeared on the French TV show Taratata broadcast in March 2010, where they covered the song "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones with the band John & Jehn.[4] In April 2010, they toured the U.S. and Canada followed by England in May 2010, including a sold-out show at the London Electric Ballroom. On 28 June 2010, Band of Skulls supported The Dead Weather at The Roundhouse in London. In July 2010, the band covered Goldfrapp's "Strict Machine" for Australian radio. They were also one of three bands who opened for Muse on 4 September 2010 at Lancashire County Cricket Ground. In October 2010 they also toured to South Africa to play at the annual Rocking The Daisies festival.
On 26 October 2010, Band of Skulls released a live album called Live on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic.
On 5 October 2011, the band released "The Devil Takes Care of His Own"—the first single to be taken from the new album—with an accompanying music video. The second studio album Sweet Sour was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales. It is produced by Ian Davenport (Supergrass, Badly Drawn Boy), who also produced their debut album, and was released on February 21, 2012 in the US, and February 20, 2012 in the UK and Europe.
On 12 April 2012, Channel 4 broadcast a short documentary starring the band. They discuss the formation of Band Of Skulls through to going from working the bars of their hometown to playing music in front of expansive crowds of adoring fans across the globe. It is a rare and intimate insight into the world of Band Of Skulls, focusing of their success and achievements over the years.
On 13 October 2012, Band of Skulls played the 11th Annual Austin City Limits Music Festival. The show was briefly interrupted by a rainstorm that soaked the front of the stage, including Russell's pedal board, prompting the band to leave the stage while crews dried and moved the affected equipment. The band was able to return and complete their set after about a 10-minute delay.
On 2nd December 2013, the band released the video for "Asleep At The Wheel" - the first track to be shared from their yet unreleased album 'Himalayan'.
In January 2017, it was announced via social media that Hayward had left the band.
Sweet Sour
Band of Skulls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you really feel the need to talk about it
Now you're fighting for your corner
Sayin' that you oughta laugh about it
You should get a little braver
Do us all a favor, shout about it
Sweet sour
Sweet sour
Sweet sour
Pick up your stitches, better than your riches
Think about it
I know what you've been through
We don't really need to talk about it
It's just a little calmer, tryin' to disarm ya
Shout about it
Sweet sour
Sweet sour
Sweet sour
Sweet sour
Sweet sour
Sweet sour
Sour by the minute, but you're sweeter by the hour
You were none the wiser
Even though you tried to understand it
Try another spoonful, love is to be truthful
Dance around it
It's just a little calmer, tryin' to disarm ya
Shout about it
Sweet sour
Sweet sour
Sour by the minute, but you're sweeter by the hour
Sweet sour
Sour by the minute, but you're sweeter by the hour
The lyrics to Band of Skulls' song Sweet Sour are about trying to encourage someone to speak up about something that may be troubling them. The opening lines suggest a need for support or guidance, and the offer of help from someone who is willing to take them by the hand and feed them. However, the next line acknowledges that maybe talking about it isn't what they really want or need, and instead the person seems to be fighting for themselves, saying that they should just laugh it off. The singer then urges them to be a little braver and shout about it, presumably to express their true feelings and work through any issues they may be facing.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Sweet sour" several times, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the person's internal struggle. Perhaps there are some good or sweet moments, but overall the situation is sour or difficult. The following verses reinforce the idea of trying to calm the person down and disarm them in order to open up and talk about what's going on. The last line of the song, "Sour by the minute but you're sweeter by the hour," suggests that even though the situation may be getting worse, the person is becoming more resilient and adaptable.
Overall, Sweet Sour is a poignant and reflective song about the struggles of communicating, dealing with stress, and finding the courage to speak up and express oneself honestly. It's a powerful message that can be applied to many different situations in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Take you by the hand and feed you
I'll guide you, help you and take care of you
Do you really feel the need to talk about it
You don't have to speak up if you don't want to
Now you're fighting for your corner
You're defending your position or beliefs
Sayin' that you oughta laugh about it
Suggesting you should find humor in the situation
You should get a little braver
Encouraging you to be courageous and speak up
Do us all a favor, shout about it
Please express your feelings openly and honestly for the benefit of everyone involved
Pick up your stitches, better than your riches
It's more important to heal and mend your wounds than accumulate wealth
Think about it
Take a moment to consider the situation
I know what you've been through
I can empathize with your experiences
We don't really need to talk about it
It's okay if we don't discuss it at length
It's just a little calmer, tryin' to disarm ya
Things have settled down and I'm trying to make you feel more relaxed and comfortable
Shout about it
Speak up and let your voice be heard
Sour by the minute, but you're sweeter by the hour
Things may be rough right now, but they will improve with time
You were none the wiser
You were oblivious and unaware
Even though you tried to understand it
Despite your efforts to comprehend the situation
Try another spoonful, love is to be truthful
Take another attempt, honesty is the key in a relationship
Dance around it
Avoiding the problem or being indirect won't resolve anything
Sweet sour
The conflicting emotions we experience in a difficult situation
Sweet sour
The conflicting emotions we experience in a difficult situation
Sweet sour
The conflicting emotions we experience in a difficult situation
Sweet sour
The conflicting emotions we experience in a difficult situation
Sweet sour
The conflicting emotions we experience in a difficult situation
Sweet sour
The conflicting emotions we experience in a difficult situation
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EMMA RICHARDSON, MATT HAYWARD, RUSSELL MARSDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Slim Rhyno
The more I listen to it, the better this song gets... and I've been listening to it for years!
Paul Girard
The Band Of Skulls drummer judged my band to win a battle of the bands competition back in about 2008 & the bassist used to serve me beer!! Great to see them doing so well years later, they kick ass!!
Oxiz Beats
The bassist was my girlfriend on high school
Oxiz Beats
I guess i win
Simon Johnson
Enelebe nah not really
Farid S.
@Oxiz Beats she used to be my grandma
Phoenix •
The entire album is fantastic! I love Wanderluster!
Beyond ARTV
hadn't heard this in quite some time, one of my favorites of 2012.
Taylor Slay
Beyond ARTV I didn't expect to see you here, man! I recently subscribed to your channel; You kickass! (like this band.) \m/ :^)
Shane
Beyond ARTV do a review on their albums