Athlete

Athlete formed in Deptford, south-east London in 1999, comprising Joel Pott, Carey Willetts, Tim Wanstall, and Steve Roberts. They developed a sound rooted in melodic indie rock with emotional directness and a gift for anthemic choruses. Their debut album 'Vehicles & Animals' (2003) was well received and produced the singles 'You Got the Style' and 'El Salvador'.

'Tourist' (2005) was a significant step forward — a more ambitious and emotionally resonant record that won the Mercury Prize, beating Coldplay and Kaiser Chiefs among others. The single 'Wires', written by Joel Pott about his premature daughter's time in intensive care, became one of the most emotionally affecting British singles of the decade and brought the band to a much wider audience.

Further albums 'Beyond the Neighbourhood' (2007) and 'Black Swan' (2009) maintained their commercial presence, though neither matched the critical success of 'Tourist'. The band went on hiatus in 2012 and have not released new material since, though they have performed occasional reunion shows. Their Mercury Prize win and the enduring power of 'Wires' ensure their place in the story of 2000s British indie.