Formed in Harlow in 2008, the Essex five-piece Morning Parade consist of lead vocalist Steve Sparrow, guitarist Chad Thomas, bassist Phil Titus, keyboardist Ben Giddings, and drummer Andy Hayes. Combining trance-style synths with anthemic rock guitars in the same vein as Friendly Fires, Delphic, and Fenech-Soler, their energetic sound and low-key secret live gigs soon attracted the attention of various record labels, and eventually resulted in a major-label deal with Parlophone. Following support slots on U.K. tours by Florence + the Machine, Ash, and Tinchy Stryder, they began work on material with Blur producer Jason Cox at Damon Albarn's 13 Studios. Their first single, "Under the Stars," saw release in late 2010; it was followed by a succession of singles ("A&E," "On Your Shoulders," and "Us & Ourselves") in 2011. The band's self-titled debut full-length album came out in early 2012 on Parlophone. In 2014, Morning Parade returned with their sophomore album, Pure Adulterated Joy, featuring production from Animal Collective's Ben Allen. ~ Jon O'Brien