I Am Strikes

I Am Strikes formed in Manchester in 2009 with Matty Hawley on vocals, Ian Skelly on guitar, Ryan Prescott on bass, and Chris Bussey on drums. Their self-titled debut album came out in 2011, pulling from indie rock, post-punk, and shoegaze. The band's second album, also called 'Love Is Just a Way To Die', arrived in 2014. That title track became their most recognizable song, a slow, atmospheric piece that connected with listeners who appreciated its direct, somber tone.

They released a third album, 'This World Will Never Be Our Home', in 2017. The band worked independently, which sometimes made things difficult. Their lyrics tended to be dark and inward-looking, which drew some criticism for being too bleak. But that same quality is what gave their music its weight for fans who found it honest.