Originally a trio with former member Declan McLaughlin (who now fronts
Sirkus Sirkuz), they signed to indie label, in 2007 to Gung-Ho Recordings (
GusGus,
Zoo Brazil) in the UK, and Beatink in Japan (home of
Underworld,
Aphex Twin, and Cinematic Orchestra) but in 2010 then moved to
Virgin Records. They have been referred to by people (particularly in
Derry) as The Jappy Pops, Jap Pops, Popstars, the popstars or The Japstars. In 2011 they released their second studio album 'Controlling Your Allegiance' which featured guest vocals from
Robert Smith (
The Cure),
James Vincent McMorrow,
Green Velvet,
Lisa Hannigan,
Tom Smith (
Editors),
Dot JR,
Morgan Kibby (
M83) and
Jon Spencer (Blues Explosion). They have also remixed the likes of Beyoncé,
Daft Punk, Depeche Mode, The Ting Tings, Editors and many more, as well as playing the European MTV Music Awards Preparty live with
Kasabian in 2011. The band have played festivals around the world including
Fuji Rock, Japan,
Oxegen, Ireland,
Sea Sessions, Ireland,
Glastonbury Festival, UK,
Electric Picnic, Ireland,
Rockness, Scotland,
Trans Musicales, France,
Benicassim, Spain,
Dour Festival, Belgium,
Dance.Here.Now, New York,
Camp Bisco, NY,
Bestival, UK,
Les Transardentes, Belgium,
Sea of Love, Germany,
Scopitone, France and many more. Decky Hedrock has since split from the group to form
Sirkus Sirkuz and a monthly radio show on
RTÉ 2FM. ==Discography==