Your guide to the ever-changing cast of this Matinee...
Nick Axam (vocals): Resident of Haringey, veteran of Pastel Collision, Unity Kelly and Laker. Nick writes all the lyrics ('Your idea of aposticy was a crucifix and a rusted pulley' - erm, thanks) and the jauntier, more mid-tempo tunes. Envisages the band as somewhere between The Smiths and The Eagles, but also wouldn't be averse to selling to Beautiful South fans. Once dedicated a song to every girl in the audience at the Laurel Tree, Camden. Never ever forgave the NME for saying that a previous band 'looked like geography teachers'. Currently listening to Lisa Germano.
Martin Horsfield (bass): Resident of Elephant & Castle, or Kennington if he's being posh. Writes all the basslines (of course) and about 10 per cent of the tunes. Usually responsible for the very poppy ones which are popular for about two gigs and then dropped ('Career For This Year', 'Sunshine'). Often describes the band as 'the kind of thing that would appeal to James fans'. Would be very pleased for 10 per cent of James's wealth and female-centric audience. Once started a gig playing entirely the wrong notes (nobody noticed). Sometime music journalist, once upset Brett Anderson. Currently enjoying The Delgados.
Steve Milton (drums): Resident of Tottenham. Writes songs, devises harmonies and plays with his enigmatic 'groove box' a lot, threatening to bring a disco element to Matinee's music. A proper musician, who once toured with Joe Jackson yet dropped everything to join Matinee (gee, thanks). Once took Morrissey to court and also snapped a snare skin at Matinee's last gig. Most likely of the band to strip off in rehearsals, encouraging comparisons with The Commitments' Mickah Wallace. Currently grooving to Cornelius.
Michael Wood (guitar, pictured above): Resident of Biggin Hill. Writes a lot of songs, often on bedroom four track with half mumbled choruses such as 'what should I sing here?' Another fine musician and sometime stalker of the guitarist from Gene. Martin Rossiter once went out of his way on the tube to continue a conversation with him, too. Occasionally mistaken for Macca by blokes in pubs, works with the chap who co-wrote 'What A Feeling' and has done more to popularise Goodge Street than any man since Donovan. Brother/auntie/everyone he's ever known is in a band. Currently getting to grips with Plush.
Other people who have passed through Matinee's ranks and Where They Are Now...
Duncan Steer (guitar): Playing with summery pop types Kaleida. Debut LP, 'Knowing Who Your Friends Are' out now on Siesta records.
Mike Clampitt (guitar): Playing with The Persuasion.
Jon Evans (drums): Waiting for The Cowboys Of Desire to re-assemble.
Francois (drums): In Brazil.