Candidate

Candidate are one of those bands that quietly win you over and never let go. Formed in the late ’90s by brothers Joel and Alex Morris, along with producer and bassist Ian Painter, they’ve built a loyal following with their warm, melodic, slightly psychedelic folk-rock. Their music feels both familiar and unexpected—think a mix of The Beta Band, The Go-Betweens, Julian Cope, CSNY, XTC and REM—but ultimately, they just sound like Candidate.

Often described as a cult band in the best sense, they’ve been praised by critics and fellow musicians alike. Stewart Lee calls them “one of Britain’s greatest psychedelic bands.” Stuart Maconie says they’re “one of the best in Britain.” They’ve had album of the year nods from The Sunday Times, Rolling Stone, and BBC Radio 2, and their songwriting is regularly singled out for its wit, warmth and understated power.

One of their standout records, Nuada (2003), is a haunting reimagining of The Wicker Man soundtrack. It even features folk legend Bert Jansch on guitar. That album’s eerie beauty led to them performing as the fictional village band at the film’s 50th anniversary, playing live in the original location for an audience of fans, witches, and curious locals.

Outside of music, Joel and Alex are known for their smart, surreal humour—writing for The Framley Examiner and the cult travel book Bollocks to Alton Towers. That sharp sense of humour feeds into their lyrics too, giving their songs a distinct personality that’s equal parts thoughtful and offbeat.

Their latest album, Point Clear, is a gorgeous return—layered, melodic, and full of quiet emotional pull. It’s Candidate at their best: a little mysterious, endlessly listenable, and still doing their own thing, just below the surface. If you know, you know—and if you don’t, now’s the time.

Source: The Harrison website