The Doubtful Bottle

The Doubtful Bottle is a 4 piece indie rock band from Yorkshire, England. Fronted by songwriter John Gillies and vocalist Genevieve Gillies the band formed in 2017, made up of some members of The Conspirators, a band which had previously had chart success in the UK and USA. Drawing from the folk influences which led to the group working with 60s folk legend @Judy Dyble (@Fairport Convention) the combination of dual led male female vocals from John and Genevieve, often harmonising, and the mix of indie rock and grunge in the rhythm section (Jim, Lee and John) results in a luscious, energetic noise. The debut single ‘Can’t Climb Any Higher’ was released to much acclaim, and the band embarked upon a tour of record stores to promote the 7 inch vinyl release. Lauded by the BBC it was repeatedly played as part of the BBC Introducing project. The band spent time in the Levellers’ Brighton Metway studio between 2018 and 2020, recording many songs over different sessions, honing the trademark indie rock sound which would see the group compared to the likes of Blondie, The Young Knives and XTC. The dark edge given to the sound has deep undertones in the lyrics, which is a constant feature of John's songwriting style. The structure is jagged and unusual, but with strangely catchy melodies over energetic and often frantic beats.