Athlete

The Profile

Athlete are an English indie rock band from Deptford, London, formed in 2000. Their debut Vehicles & Animals (2003) was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize, and Tourist (2005) reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, powered by the hit single Wires. Subsequent releases include Beyond the Neighbourhood (2007) and Black Swan (2009).

Band members include Joel Pott, Carey Willetts, Stephen Roberts, and Tim Wanstall. Reviews highlight a shift from Britpop-tinged indie toward piano-led arrangements with tasteful electronics, praising tracks like Wires, Half Light, Chances, Hurricane, and The Outsiders.

DeBaser’s reviews chart Athlete’s evolution from the catchy debut Vehicles & Animals to the refined, piano-and-electronics blend of Tourist and the autumnal elegance of Beyond the Neighbourhood. Tourist earns special praise for songs like Wires, Half Light, and Chances, though a few tracks divide opinions. Vehicles & Animals is lauded for fresh, catchy songwriting, while Beyond the Neighbourhood is called vibrant rather than simply sad. Overall, the tone is warmly positive.