The Black Light is a progressive rock band based in Swindon & Southampton, England. They formed in 2008 from the ashes of Swindon-based 3-piece band, The Isle, which played many local gigs during 2005-2006, having released a four track, self-produced EP. The band consists of Martin Bassett (Guitars, Bass, Keys, Lead Vocals) & Andrew Watt (Drums, Keys, Vocals), who met whilst at college in 1996.


The band’s sound is a progressive-leaning brand of pop rock that draws influence from bands such as Radiohead, Mew, Oceansize, The Electric Soft Parade & Wondermints. The focus being on writing catchy melodic hooks combined with ambitious song structures, irregular rhythms & punchy riffs.


The band has released two EP’s in 2008 & 2011 & one full-length album in 2017. The band does not presently play live gigs, but continue to compose & record music at home studios in Swindon & Southampton. The song ‘Shapeshifter’ from the EP ‘Lost In The Middle’, was selected for airplay on BBC Radio Solent’s ‘Introducing’ show in 2011. It was chosen despite being over 6 minutes long, which radio show host, Melita Dennett, stated was breaking with her principles.


With the release of the new album, the band is looking to finally make the step up from part-time hobbyists. The 13 tracks have been constructed to flow as a single suite of music & is intended as a serious piece of music. They hope it will be heard by fans of the same bands/music that inspired it.