Matt Scanners (vocals, guitar, synthesizer) and Sarah Daly (vocals, violin, bass guitar) originally formed the alt rock duo Scanners in London, England. Initially gigging around the UK backed only by a drum machine, they soon expanded the lineup with the addition of Amina Bates (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals) and Tom Hutt (drums).
The band caught the attention of label owner and world-renowned DJ Steve Aoki, who signed them to his influential indie label, Dim Mak Records. In 2006, they released their debut album, Violence Is Golden, earning them immediate critical acclaim, with music outlet Aversion hailing the group as “a contender for this summer’s best new act.” This release launched extensive tours across the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America, including a standout showcase at SXSW and a headlining slot at the Les 3 Éléphants Festival. In April 2007, they made their US late-night television debut on Last Call with Carson Daly to perform their hit single, “Lowlife,” and went on to record highly requested live sessions for London’s XFM in both October 2007 and January 2008.
Their sophomore effort, Submarine, was released in 2010 to a warm critical reception. They followed in 2012 with their third studio album, Love Is Symmetry, dropped via Dim Mak and Unterschaften Records, which they supported by extensive touring across the United States and Europe throughout 2013. Over the years, Scanners have shared the stage with an impressive roster of legendary acts, including The Horrors, Devo, The Mystery Jets, The Charlatans, Silversun Pickups, The Wedding Present, Electric Six, Juliette and the Licks, The Presidents of the United States of America, and Forward, Russia!
Prolific songwriters who practically lived in the recording studio, Scanners amassed an impressive back catalog outside of their DimMak releases. In 2022, Fervor Records officially inked a deal to acquire the band’s extensive archives, resulting in the release of three brand-new albums compiled entirely from the band’s previously unreleased material. Fervor Records is extremely proud to preserve, celebrate, and perpetuate Scanners’ incredible musical legacy.
– Liner notes by David Hilker
