Irvine are an indie rock band whose sound draws on influences from across the indie and rock genres, such as Jimmy Eat World, Cold War Kids, Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene. Described by one UK blogger as the "stepchild of Muse and old school (i.e. good) U2" the band's eclectic rock sound has gained them a loyal following wherever they have performed in South Africa and the UK over the last ten years. 

Formed by brothers Bob and Chris Thorpe, the band spent two years performing, writing and recording in London, England, before moving to Cape Town, South Africa, where they began recording their debut album while performing all around the country and touring with artists such as CrashCarBurn and John Ellis.

With songs that are as memorable as they are intricate, voiced through sincere, unassuming lyrics, Irvine has developed a sound that has fused the art of the emotive big chorus rock anthem with the experimental low-fi production and subtle aural anarchy of the authentic indie tradition. The band’s emphasis on strong melody is balanced by the progressive undertones in their arrangements, rhythms and chord structures, resulting in a melodic but layered sonic experience that reveals something new to the listener with each encounter.

The intensity and improvisational energy of Irvine's live performances is a testament to this careful balance, constantly swaying between the beautifully melodic and the chaotically abstract. In an industry obsessed with mass produced disposable music, Irvine seeks to stand out as a band for those who truly love to listen.

ALBUM AND TOUR NEWS:
In May 2013 Irvine released their debut album. The album is self-titled and was written, produced, mixed and partly engineered by the band themselves. Even the 17th century etchings-inspired artwork is a unique Irvine creation. The album is available for download from iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and various other online stores. Links to these stores, as well as a free download of Irvine’s single The Chase can be found on the band’s official website.

Irvine's video for their single The Chase has received regular airplay on South African TV channels such as M-Net, SABC3 and MK, and on American online channels such as America Free TV and Music Dish TV. The video was featured in the homepage video for the official website of the 2010 Sports Illustrated SA Swimwear edition, as well as on VO5's Art of Stylin campaign in 2012. The band has received airplay in the UK, the USA, and at various radio stations across South Africa, including 94.7 Highveld Stereo, MFM, PUKFM, UJFM, and the DMX Campus Rock Channel. 

Irvine’s previous single, The Illusion of Dreaming was featured as a single on the 2009 international compilation Riot on Sunset Vol.17, released across America by Hollywood-based independent rock label 272 Records. The compilation, which features bands from all over The United States and Europe, was distributed to radio stations across the US, and is available for purchase from Amazon.com and Hollywood’s largest music store, Amoeba Music.

Over the years Irvine has secured headlining slots at premier live music venues and festivals around the country, including the National Arts Festival, Wild Kei Music Fest, and Obz Fest. The band has performed at numerous premier across the country such as Tanz Café (JHB) and Mercury Live (CT), as well as at prominent venues in London, UK, such as the Water Rats Theatre and The Peel. Irvine has completed 3 coastal summer tours in South Africa, as well as a Jo’burg/Pretoria trip and numerous Eastern Cape tours. Most recently, the band performed in central London at The Comedy in Leicester Square and The Fiddler's Elbow in Camden.