The Knocking Shop

The Knocking Shop were initially active from 1993 until 1996. They released the cassette only album Half-Orphan in 1994 and received some airplay from Dave Fanning at the time. (“A little Irish gem - recorded and mixed in one day and self released on cassette. ”Pete Holidai, Radiators From Space / Trouble Pilgrims)

A mixture of illness, responsibility and geography led them to enter a state of suspended animationwhich they woke from when their song Half-Orphan was selected by Record Collector magazine for inclusion on the Small Town Scenery compilation album of 'lost' indie gems from 1985-1995.

The band reformed and headlined the album launch night in London and they have continued to play further gigs, disinter old songs and explore new ones.

In 2021 this has involved having their old tapes remixed by Pete Holidai for the release of a remastered version of Half Orphan and a second album of unreleased tracks, and there are plans to record a new album when they can once again congregate post-Covid.

"like The Fall wrestling with The Go-Betweens"
Ian Shirley - Record Collector Magazine