Turin Brakes

The Profile

Turin Brakes are an English indie/folk duo from London, formed by Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian. Emerging with the Mercury Prize–nominated debut The Optimist LP, they became associated with the new acoustic movement and followed with Ether Song and later records that broadened their sound with more electric textures.

English duo from London; members: Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian; active since 1999; associated with the new acoustic movement; notable releases include The Optimist LP and Ether Song, with singles such as Pain Killer (Summer Rain) and Long Distance.

DeBaser’s reviewers trace Turin Brakes from the acoustic glow of The Optimist LP to the fuller, more electric textures of JackInABox and Dark on Fire. Praise centers on evocative harmonies and intimate songwriting; criticism targets derivativeness and loss of early distinctiveness. Ether Song earns nods for maturity and standout singles, while opinions split on later albums’ impact.